Governance

Governing Documents

In 2007, the American Red Cross embarked on comprehensive governance reform including the most significant amendments to the Congressional Charter in 60 years. Changes were signed into law by the President of the United States to modernize the Board to focus on strategic oversight and governance.

• Congressional Charter (PDF, 217KB)
• Amended and Restated Bylaws of The American National Red Cross (PDF, 105.9KB)
• Geneva Conventions & International Humanitarian Law

Structure and Membership of the Board of Governors

In addition to a more clear oversight and strategic role for the Board, highlights of governance reforms include:

• Board membership ranges from 12 to 20
• Requirements for membership are now uniform and follow best practices for corporate boards
• The selection of members is accomplished through the Governance and Board Development Committee's recommendation to the full Board and final approval by delegates of the chapters and blood services regions at the annual meeting of the American Red Cross
• Board Report: Governance for the 21st Century

Charters of the Board of Governors Committees

• Audit and Risk Management Committee
• Board of Trustees of the Endowment Fund
• Compensation Committee
• Executive Committee
• Governance and Board Development Committee

Governance Procedures

Governance procedures provide clear guidance about expectations and enhance Board and individual Board member performance.

• Nominations Process for Selecting Board Members
• Board Membership Guidelines
• Annual Affirmation of Service
• Individual Member Self-Assessment
• Peer Evaluation for Board Members
• Board Assessment
  
• Board Member Conflict of Interest Questionnaire

Ethics, Conduct and Compliance Resources

The Board of Governors and management of the American Red Cross are committed to upholding the highest standards of ethics and conduct and promoting a culture of compliance and ethics throughout the organization.

• Policy on Financial Conflict of Interest Management
• Red Cross Code of Business Ethics and Conduct
• Ombudsman Office
• Equal Employment Opportunity and Commitment to Diversity

Employees, volunteers, vendors, and the general public may report allegations or complaints regarding complaints or allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, illegal, unsafe, or unethical conduct to the general corporate hotline, the Concern Connection Line (CCL), at 1-888-309-9679. This is a 24-hour, confidential, toll-free telephone hotline.

• Report Concerns about Fraud, Waste, Abuse, Unsafe, Unethical or Illegal Conduct

Report Concerns about Blood Safety or Quality

The Biomedical Regulatory Hotline (1-800-741-4738) is a confidential, toll-free telephone line for reporting concerns about the collection, manufacturing, processing, distribution, or utilization of blood and blood components. Examples of concerns to be reported on the BRL are violations of regulations (FDA, OSHA, etc), falsification, training issues, quality failures and computer and equipment issues. Additionally, concerns relating to the collection, manufacturing, processing, distribution, or utilization of blood and blood components may be mailed to AABB Accreditation and Quality, 8101 Glenbrook Road, Bethesda MD 20814.