Berry Street Web Docs Annual Report 2009 | Page 7

Our Governance and Accountability a commitment we take seriously Accountability is one of our five key organisational Values – to be responsible and constantly look at how we can improve. We take very seriously, our responsibility to our clients, staff, carers, volunteers, colleagues, funders and supporters. • Our Board met 11 times and used its annual workshop with the Executive Management Team to focus on: reviewing the 2008/09 Business Plan and develop priorities for the 2009/10 Business Plan; knowledge management and advocacy; managing growth; and how we position Berry Street in the changing environment. • Janine Kirk retired after 12 years and Lyn Allison and Steve Harris joined the Board. • A new Governance Policy and Key Organisational Performance Indicators were adopted and an annual reporting schedule was implemented. • The Finance Committee and Investment Advisory Group were combined and a new Investment Strategy was developed. • Reports on the 2008/09 Business Plan were provided to the Board in November and May. Of the 23 objectives, 11 were fully achieved, 7 partly achieved and for 5 there was no progress. The 2009/10 Business Plan, with 19 priority projects, was developed. • An Aboriginal Strategic Plan 2009-2012 was developed with clear goals and an action plan outlining our commitment to Aboriginal people. We also undertook a census of the numbers of Aboriginal people accessing our service and gathered information about our compliance with the Aboriginal Placement Principle, Cultural Support Plans and reviewed our links with Aboriginal Controlled Organisations. • A review was undertaken of our procurement systems. 6