Our approach to corporate governance

The Service has established a corporate governance framework ensuring operations and support activities are directed, managed and accountable. This framework allows us to:

• achieve our strategic directions
• be accountable for our actions
• manage risks
• monitor, report on and evaluate our corporate performance
• meet community expectations.

The Commissioner is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the Service’s operational, financial and administrative functions. The Commissioner is assisted in discharging these responsibilities by two principal decision-making forums: the Senior Executive Conference and the Board of Management. Several other strategic committees support the Senior Executive Conference and Board of Management to address more detailed aspects of the Service’s responsibilities.

Between March and June 2008 the Service Delivery and Performance Commission (SDPC) conducted a review of the QPS.

The objectives of the SDPC Review were to:

• undertake a strategic assessment of how well the QPS is managing its performance, and
• identify, analyse and report on key issues that affect service delivery and performance management by the QPS, and make practical recommendations on key areas for improvement.

The SDPC report on the review of the QPS was released soon after the close of the 2008-09 financial year. The report included a recommendation to review all QPS corporate governance arrangements and this will be completed in 2009-10.  [ more... ]

Senior Executive Conference

The function of the Senior Executive Conference is to advise the Commissioner on strategic issues.

Meetings of the Senior Executive Conference are held approximately every three months.

Membership of the Senior Executive Conference consists of:

• Commissioner
• Deputy Commissioner (Regional Operations)
• Deputy Commissioner (Specialist Operations)
• Deputy Chief Executive (Resource Management)
• all Assistant Commissioners and Directors
• Senior Police Chaplain
• two representatives of the Women’s Network

Executive management changes in 2008–09

Assistant Commissioner Peter Swindells, State Crime Operations Command, retired on 18 July 2008.

Chief Superintendent Ross Barnett was appointed as Assistant Commissioner, State Crime Operations Command and commenced on 21 July 2008.

Chief Superintendent Clem O'Regan was appointed as Assistant Commissioner Northern Region and commenced on 25 August 2008.

Assistant Commissioner Paul Wilson was reassigned from the Northern Region to the South Eastern Region and commenced on 22 September 2008.

Ms Patsy Jones, formerly Manager, Human Resources, was appointed as Director Human Resources Division and commenced on 10 December 2008.

Mr Jim Hardie, formerly Director Human Resources Division, is on extended leave.

Board of Management

The Board of Management supports and facilitates the role of the Senior Executive Conference in setting the strategic focus and direction of the Service. The Board assists the Commissioner in the ongoing management of the Service with particular regard to:

• operations
• human resource management
• information management
• budget and financial resource management
• asset management issues.

Meetings of the Board of Management are held monthly. Membership of the Board consists of:

• Commissioner
• Deputy Commissioner (Regional Operations)
• Deputy Commissioner (Specialist Operations)
• Deputy Chief Executive (Resource Management)
• Director, Office of the Commissioner
• two Assistant Commissioners—appointed on a twelve month rotational basis

---

Committees

Several strategic committees support the Senior Executive Conference and Board of Management to address more detailed aspects of the Service’s responsibilities.

---

Strategic Capital Planning Committee

Chair: Commissioner

The Strategic Capital Planning Committee considers the needs of internal and external clients regarding major capital works. It sets the medium and long term priorities for QPS capital works and informs the Board of Management in relation to these priorities.

In 2008-09, the Committee met on three occasions. Key activities included:

• resolution and implementation of the 2009-12 QPS Capital Works Program - a $126 million three year program focussed on improving service delivery, through enhancement of our built asset portfolio
• exploring options for the rationalisation and consolidation of the QPS lease portfolio
• inclusion of vessels and aircraft as asset classes for which the committee will provide strategic oversight and direction.

---

Risk Management Committee

Chair: Assistant Commissioner, Ethical Standards Command

The Risk Management Committee maintains the Service’s risk management policy and practice. It ensures accountability for and minimisation of risks throughout the Service and monitors information systems and training relating to risk management.

In 2008-09, the Committee met on two occasions and addressed the following issues:

• internal security and supervision of contract personnel
• QPS Solicitor’s Office workload
• grants management system
• format of executive level exception reports
• Risk Management Committee – membership and frequency of meetings
• information security management
• contingent liability and insurance performance
• QPS vehicle accident statistics and insurance premiums
• review of the Corporate Risk Register
• mandatory risk items
• health and safety hazard management system. 

---

Audit Committee

Chair: Mr G Carpenter, Independent Accountant

The Audit Committee assists the Commissioner in meeting obligations imposed under the Financial Administration and Audit Act 1977 and the Financial Management Standard 1997. It reviews internal audit reports and monitors the implementation of audit recommendations, reviews annual financial statements and liaises between the external auditor and the Commissioner.

The Financial Accountability Act 2009 and the Financial and Performance Management Standard 2009 commenced on 1 July 2009. The Committee will continue its functions under the new financial legislation.

In 2008-09, the Committee met on four occasions and conducted the following activities:

• reviewing audit reports and other papers including those related to the production of the annual report
• monitoring the implementation of audit recommendations
• reviewing the performance of Internal Audit and the Inspectorate and Evaluation Branch
• reviewing the Audit Committee Charter and the Charters of Internal Audit and the Inspectorate and Evaluation Branch
• endorsing the annual financial statements
• reviewing committee activities, performance of committee members and providing feedback to the Commissioner.

---

Corporate Health and Safety Coordinating Committee

Chair: Commissioner

The Corporate Health and Safety Coordinating Committee (CHSC) is responsible for facilitating consultation between the Service and unions and provides advice to management on strategic workplace corporate health and safety issues that have statewide implications.

In 2008-09, the Committee met on three occasions. Activities included:

• implementation of the new Incident/Injury Reporting System
• commencement of a review of QPS Consultative Structure Framework
• resolution of the issues raised in subordinate committees.

---

Staffing Advisory Committee

Chair: Commissioner

The Staffing Advisory Committee provides recommendations to the Board of Management on workforce management, organisational development, restructures and reviews, and staff changes across the Service

In 2008-09, the Committee met on five occasions and oversaw:

• implementation of approved changes to the organisational structure of the Service
• implementation of approved staff changes across the Service.

---

Finance Committee

Chair: Commissioner

The Finance Committee advises the Board of Management on the status of the Service’s budget and recommends funding allocations.

In 2008-09, the Committee met on 11 occasions and:

• provided financial advice to the Board of Management (BoM) to ensure that the Service’s financial obligations were met
• monitored financial performance and ensured BoM was advised of the Service’s financial status
• provided recommendations to BoM regarding funding submissions from portfolio areas.

---

Investment Governance Board

Chair: Deputy Commissioner (Specialist Operations)

The Investment Governance Board (IGB) provides strategic investment advice to the Board of Management about major projects (excluding those involving capital works and asset management programs including aircraft, vessels and fleet).

The first meeting of the IGB was held on 12 September 2008. Key activities of the IGB included:

• establishing the Investment Governance Framework
• making a strategic assessment of existing major projects and transitioning these projects to full reporting within the Investment Governance Framework
• assessing proposals for potential new major projects in line with the Investment Governance Framework
• making recommendations to BoM about the prioritisation and progression of major projects
• monitoring the progress and performance of approved major projects in terms of budget, schedule, issues and risks.

---

Information Steering Committee

Chair: Deputy Commissioner (Specialist Operations)

The Information Steering Committee ensures the Service’s investment in the development, implementation, use and support of ICT is efficient and effective and delivers the expected benefits and outcomes.

In 2008-09, the Committee met on six occasions, and provided oversight for:

• the delivery of Queensland Police Records and Information Management Exchange (QPRIME)
• all other ICT enabled initiatives.

In addition to the formation of the Investment Governance Board in 2008, the following committees were established in 2009:

Procurement Governance Committee

This committee will provide recommendations and advice on all procurement related matters.

Property Governance Committee

The role of this committee is to provide advice and recommendations relating to property issues, excluding those relating to housing which are handled by a subordinate committee.

Vehicle Governance Committee

This committee considers issues likely to impact upon the QPS vehicle fleet and makes recommendations to ensure appropriate service delivery and compliance with Government mandated policies and strategies.

Environmental Governance Committee

The function of this committee is to provide recommendations on the effective management of environmental issues likely to impact upon the QPS and to ensure compliance with Government policies and strategies.

Shared Services

During 2008-09, the Shared Service Agency provided a range of corporate services to the Queensland Police Service. Some examples of the services provided include payroll, accounts payable and mail services. The activities of the Shared Service Agency and CorpTech are reported in the annual report of the Department of Public Works.