The Society is committed to upholding high standards of corporate governance in accordance with the principles and guidelines of the Code of Governance for Charities and Institutions of a Public Character (April 2023) (“Code of Governance”), the Charities Act 1994 and applicable regulations.
Throughout FY2025, BMDP remained committed to strengthening governance, accountability and transparency to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Society’s life-saving mission.
Board and Management
The Society is governed by a Board comprising not fewer than 10 and not more than 15 Society Members, elected by the Society Members at alternate Annual General Meetings (AGMs). Board members serve on a voluntary basis and have no business affiliations with BMDP.
Board members are nominated through a formal and transparent process by the BMDP Nomination Committee, taking into consideration their knowledge, skills, expertise, experience and ability to contribute to the Society’s strategic direction and governance.
Board members serve a two-year term. No Board member may serve for more than ten (10) consecutive years, following which a two-year break is required before they may be considered for reappointment.
The Honorary Treasurer may not serve for more than two (2) consecutive terms and must step down for at least two (2) years before being eligible for re-election to the same position.
The Board conducts a self-evaluation at least once during each term of office to assess its effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. The roles, responsibilities and scope of authority of the Board are outlined in the Society’s Constitution.
Conflict of Interest Policy
The Society has established a Conflict of Interest Policy to ensure that all members of the Executive Committee, Sub-Committees, staff and volunteers act in the best interests of the Society at all times.
All relevant individuals are required to declare any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest upon appointment or employment, annually, and whenever such conflicts arise or may reasonably be anticipated, in accordance with the Society’s established policies and procedures.
Individuals with declared conflicts of interest are required to abstain from participating in discussions, decision-making and voting on matters in which they have an actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest.
Reserves Management
BMDP adopts a prudent approach to managing its reserves to ensure long-term financial sustainability and the continued delivery of services to its beneficiaries. The Board regularly reviews the adequacy of reserves to ensure that the Society can fulfil its ongoing obligations and operational commitments.
BMDP’s reserves comprise the General Fund, which supports its strategic and operational objectives, and Designated Funds, which are allocated for specific programmes. The Society does not maintain any Restricted Funds.
Fundraising Practices
In accordance with the applicable fundraising regulations, charities and Institutions of a Public Character (IPCs) are required to maintain a fundraising efficiency ratio within the prescribed 30% limit, commonly referred to as the 30/70 rule.
BMDP remains committed to managing its fundraising costs efficiently and responsibly. For FY2025, BMDP’s fundraising efficiency ratio stood at 10.9%, within the prescribed limit.
The Society is also committed to maintaining transparency and accountability in its fundraising activities. Key information relating to its fundraising events is disclosed through appropriate channels to provide donors and stakeholders with relevant information on its fundraising initiatives.
Loans/Donations
As a charitable organisation, the Society does not provide loans, donations, grants or other financial assistance outside its core charitable programmes.
Any proposed financial assistance outside the scope of its core charitable programmes would be subject to appropriate review and Board approval, in accordance with applicable governance requirements, before any such assistance is provided.
Audit and Legal
BMDP’s internal auditor, Baker Tilly Singapore, works closely with the Audit and Governance Committee and Management to assess the adequacy and effectiveness of the Society’s internal controls.
Internal audits are conducted periodically based on predefined scopes, with key processes reviewed on a rotational basis to provide independent assurance and identify opportunities for improvement.
The Society’s statutory auditor is RSM Chio Lim LLP, while legal support is provided by BMDP’s Legal Volunteers.
Enterprise Risk Management
As part of the Society’s Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework, the risk register is reviewed and updated periodically using a risk-based approach. Process owners are responsible for identifying and assessing risks within their respective areas, evaluating the adequacy and effectiveness of existing controls, and implementing additional mitigating measures where necessary.
The risk assessment process considers both inherent and residual risk ratings to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Society’s risk exposure and the effectiveness of its mitigating controls.
Key risks are discussed during Management meetings to promote risk awareness and facilitate timely escalation, with regular updates provided to the Board and Audit and Governance Committee.
Taking into consideration the internal controls established by Management, assessments conducted by internal and external auditors, and the Society’s risk management processes, the Board, supported by the Audit and Governance Committee, reviews the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls in addressing significant financial, operational, compliance and information technology risks.
The Board recognises that the system of internal controls and risk management provides reasonable, but not absolute, assurance against risks that may affect the achievement of the Society’s objectives.
No system of internal controls and risk management can completely eliminate the possibility of significant errors, lapses in judgment, human mistakes, losses, fraud or other irregularities.
Remuneration for Board and Key Staff
Board members serve on a voluntary basis and do not receive remuneration for their services.
The remuneration of the Society’s three highest-paid staff members is disclosed in the Annual Report in accordance with applicable governance disclosure requirements.
Employees do not participate in determining their own remuneration. The remuneration of employees reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer is determined in consultation with the Chairperson of the relevant Sub-Committees or other designated authorities.
No paid staff members are close family members of the Chief Executive Officer or any Board members.
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