leadership of the Chairman, are the governing body of the organisation. In this SOP, “the Commission” refers to the Commissioners acting as the governing body of the Human Rights Commission. 1.4 Governance Responsibilities Ensure accountability and foster high ethical standards • • The Commission has adopted the following governance responsibilities based on the Human Rights Commission Act 2009, the Paris Principles and other good practice guidance that is consistent with the Act: • Set strategic direction • • • • • • Decide the Commission’s vision and mission, values, strategic priorities, as detailed in the Strategic Plan and Operational and Annual Work Plans; Ensure that there are adequate resources available to give effect to the strategy; Monitor the overall implementation of the Strategic Plan; In a general sense, determine the nature of the activities to be undertaken in the performance of the Commission’s functions. Monitor and enhance performance • • • • Ensure accountability and transparency within the Commission, through effective reporting processes; Foster constructive relationships with the Commission’s stakeholders, encouraging them to engage effectively with the Commission; Identify risk and protect the Commission’s reputation; Ensure that adequate conditions exist for proper management and oversight and for the Commission’s efficiency and effectiveness. • Act diligently, prudently and in a financially responsible manner; Act consistently with the Commission’s responsibilities, functions and objectives; Observe high ethical standards in the spirit of service to the public and consistent with the Commission’s Code of Ethics (Appendix I); Act honestly, with integrity, in good faith and in the Commission’s best interests; Encourage strong and serviceoriented performance; Act as a “good employer”. 1.5 Functions of the Commission All decisions relating to the operations of the Commission must be made collectively by, or under the authority of, the Commission, via the following mechanisms: In setting strategic direction, Commission: • • • • • the Engages in a continuous cycle of Strategic Planning (approval, implementation, review and evaluation); Approves Commission strategies, programmes and activities initiated by individual Commissioners; Approves, reviews, evaluates Commission strategies, programmes and activities proposed to the Commission by staff and Directors/ Secretary; Approves the Annual Report for the previous year; Approves the Operational and Annual Work Plans, including budget, prepared by the Directors and the National Human Rights Commission (JAMAKON) Annual Report 2014 55