Structure and governance
WWF-Australia is a non-profit, supporter-based organisation committed to conserving Australia's biodiversity.
We have a membership of around 80 Governors, are governed by a Board of Directors, and have close to 100 hard-working staff throughout the country who manage our conservation programs, fieldwork, fundraising and administration.
Our annual reports (see sidebar) also contain more information about our structure and the way we work.
1. WWF Governors
WWF-Australia is a company limited by guarantee. As such, governors form our membership and are appointed for a maximum of two four-year terms. They are selected because of their standing in the community and their commitment to the mission of WWF. New governors can be nominated by current governors, appointed by the Board of Directors, with appointments ratified at the Annual General Meeting.
As at 1 October 2008, WWF-Australia has 79 governors, bringing a diverse range of skills, influence and expertise to the governance of the organisation. Many of our governors also occupy roles on our Scientific Advisory Committee, contribute to internal working groups, and provide strategic advice across the organisation.
2. WWF Board of Directors
WWF is governed by our Board of Directors, formerly known as the Executive Council. Directors are elected at the Annual General Meeting from the Governors. The Board sets our strategic direction and policy, approves the annual budget and conservation program, and regularly reviews the operations of the organisation.
As WWF is a supporter-based, not-for-profit organisation, a crucial function of the Board is to ensure we comply with the Corporations Law and the requirements of the Australian Securities and Investment Commission.
The Board of Directors is assisted by the Scientific Advisory Committee, the Finance Committee, the Risk Management Committee and the Nominating Committee.
3. Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC)
At WWF-Australia we rely upon scientific analysis to form the basis of our work. Our Scientific Advisory Committee, comprising senior scientists from academic institutions and government agencies, assists us with strategic planning and the monitoring and evaluation of all aspects of our conservation activities.
This expert group is assisting us with our review of Australia's biodiversity conservation priorities, culminating in the development of WWF-Australia's Conservation Strategy 2005-2010.
4. Finance Committee
Our Finance Committee meets five times per year to scrutinise our financial status. Its specific functions include reviewing the budget and monitoring financial performance.
5. Risk Management Committee
The Risk Management Committee is responsible for reviewing processes for the identification and management of significant risks.
6. Chief Executive Officer and Executive Team
The CEO heads up the WWF-Australia Executive Team and oversees the day-to-day management of WWF. The CEO is responsible to the Board for strategic planning, and all performance and operational matters.
The Executive team recommends strategic direction for our present and future. This direction is detailed in the WWF Business Plan, which is approved by the Board of Directors. Executive team members lead and manage both their functional areas and the organisation as a whole to achieve high performance at low risk.
7. Conservation - science and policy
WWF-Australia's conservation science and policy team provides analysis, science and strategic advice to help develop our national conservation priorities. The team works closely with our campaigns and fieldwork teams to achieve long-term gains for Australia's natural environment.
8. Conservation - campaigns
Our conservation campaigns team works with the marketing and communications team and our supporters to build community and political support for national conservation priorities. The team sets WWF's campaign targets through internal and external consultative processes, and works with scientists, economists and other conservation groups to achieve major outcomes for Australia's environment.
9. Conservation - in the field
WWF-Australia's conservation field team works in partnership with communities, farmers, Indigenous peoples, and industry to address national conservation priorities. The team focuses on an ecoregional approach, and works towards policy goals and their practical application thorough on-ground activities.
10. Marketing and communications
Our marketing and communications team raises the all-important funds we need to do our work, and provides services for our supporters, such as newsletters and this website. The team works closely with our conservation teams to help build public, political, business and industry support for solutions to the key issues on Australia's environmental agenda today.
11. Finance and administration
WWF-Australia's finance and administration team ensures the smooth running of the organisation. The team provides financial information and analysis, monitors budgets and expenditure, assists in the evaluation of our business practices to ensure we're doing a good job, and provides essential services for all WWF-Australia activities - such as information management, human resources, and executive support.
