Governance

Governance

Strong governance underpins every aspect of Back on Track Foundation’s work.

In 2025, the Foundation strengthened its governance framework to support statewide delivery, increasing case complexity and responsible program growth. The Board provides disciplined oversight across strategy, finance, risk, compliance, and organisational development to ensure the organisation remains safe, ethical, and aligned with its charitable purpose.

Back on Track operates at the intersection of education, health, and family systems. Governance is therefore structural. It safeguards children, protects families, and ensures public funds are deployed responsibly.

Governance Framework & Board Oversight

The Foundation’s governance model is grounded in transparent and accountable decision-making.

The Board meets regularly to oversee strategic direction, approve major organisational decisions and monitor performance against financial, regulatory and risk obligations. This oversight has been particularly important as the organisation consolidated statewide delivery across metropolitan, regional, and remote Western Australia.

The Board is supported by standing committees including Finance, Audit and Risk. These committees provide focused scrutiny of financial performance, compliance obligations, organisational risk, and internal controls, enabling clear lines of responsibility and timely escalation where required.

The Foundation maintains and regularly reviews a formal risk register to support proactive management as demand and operational complexity increase.

Financial Accountability & Audit

Financial discipline remains a core pillar of governance.

The Foundation completed its independent financial audit for the 2024–25 financial year, with statements reviewed and prepared for reporting to the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.

The Board approves the annual budget and monitors financial performance throughout the year to ensure resources are allocated in line with charitable purpose and program priorities. Expenditure, risk exposure, and cash flow are reviewed regularly to support sustainability and responsible growth.

Transparent financial processes, supported by committee oversight and independent audit, underpin funder confidence.

Risk, Child Safety & Data Governance

Operating in child-centred and health-adjacent environments requires structured risk management.

Throughout 2025, governance oversight focused on:

• Child safety and safeguarding standards
• Regional and remote service delivery risk
• Data protection and information governance
• Workforce capability and supervision
• Organisational growth and scalability

Risk management processes are embedded into operational practice, with regular Board review to ensure emerging risks are identified and addressed early.

Governance of Technology & AI

As internal capability matured in 2025, governance responsibilities expanded to include oversight of digital and AI-enabled tools.

The Board oversees the adoption of responsible, human-aligned AI practices to ensure technology use remains consistent with child-safe standards, data protection obligations, and ethical governance principles.

Innovation is progressed within clearly defined governance boundaries. This ensures new tools strengthen service delivery without compromising privacy, safety, or professional accountability.

Independent Evaluation & Continuous Improvement

In preparation for future growth and system-level engagement, the Board endorsed an independent assessment of the Back on Track Education Program by the Australian Institute of Business, scheduled for 2026.

This evaluation will strengthen the Foundation’s evidence base, inform continuous improvement, and support participation in broader policy discussions on survivorship education.

Back on Track is committed not only to delivery, but to measurable impact and ongoing organisational refinement.