Governance bodies

The Start Network is governed by its Board of Trustees, taking its steer from the membership, which is represented by the Assembly. The Board is responsible for implementing the agreed strategy as well as all other governance matters, such as cost effectiveness and efficiency, brand protection, and oversight of the Sub-Committees and the Start Network CEO and CFOO. 

Assembly 

The Assembly, made up of representatives from all Start members, sets the Network’s strategic direction and acts as a sounding board that informs the Network’s evolution. Its role is primarily advisory in nature, but the Assembly retains three important governance responsibilities: approving new members to the Network; approving the election of new Trustees to the Board, and; overseeing the Board’s performance.

Board 

Chair: Christof Gabriel Maetze (Independent)

Oversees the sub-committees and team performance; provides strategic steer; approves the annual business plan and budget; considers new programmes and services. The Board has delegated authority to make decisions on behalf of the Assembly, but takes its steer from and is accountable to the membership. 

We believe that decisions about the Network should be transparent, so we publish summary Board minutes here.

info@startnetwork.org

Sub-committees

There are five sub-committees to the Board with delegated decision-making authorities.

FINANCE & AUDIT COMMITTEE 

Chair: Paul Astruc (Independent)

Advises the Board and Start team on financial operations, audit and risk management. The responsibilities of the Committee include having oversight on all financial matters, including the annual accounts, budgeting and financial management, as well as identifying and understanding all financial and operational risks to the Start Network. 

Plan International and three independents

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE 

Chair: Degan Ali (Adeso)

Oversees the selection and onboarding of new members, the membership policy and annual membership contributions. Responsibilities include receiving applications to membership and making recommendations the Board of Trustees, as well as overseeing the due diligence process. 

CAFOD, World Vision UK, Adeso, Concern, and three independents

NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE 

Chair: Shaima Al-Zarooni (Independent)

Responsible for appointing individuals to the Board and ensuring a good balance of skills are held by the Trustees. Responsibilities include recommending the skills and experience that should be sought in the nomination and election of Trustees, as well as leading the election process when there are vacancies that need to be filled. 

Trocaire and two independents

Human Resources COMMITTEE 

Chair: Christof Gabriel Maetze (Independent)

Advises on the development and implementation of the Start Network's People Strategy, as well as other policies and procedures relating to human resources such as personnel and performance management, and staff remuneration.

CADENA and three independents

START FUND COMMITTEE 

Chair: John Brooker (Solidarities International)

Oversees the management, operation and strategy of the Start Fund. Strategically, the Committee provides advice and input to the Board, particularly around the principles and the processes for decision-making. The Committee has delegated authority from the Board and, through decision-making subsets called ‘rotas’, makes decisions on funding allocations, stewards the progression of the project selection procedures, and participates in associated learning and evaluation peer reviews. 

The Start Fund committee is made up of all Start Network members.

OTHER GOVERNING BODIES

Start Fund Council 

The Start Fund Council brings together all Start Fund donors to review their investment in the Fund. The Council has have direct governance oversight over the risk management of the Start Fund, the policy of which the Council reviews and endorses on an annual basis.

Read more about Start Network's governance

info@startnetwork.org