Annual Reports & Governance

The Board is responsible for the overall governance, strategic direction, and legal stewardship of ANZMES. Its core functions include:

• setting organisational strategy and priorities
• overseeing financial and legal compliance
• ensuring alignment with ANZMES’ charitable purpose
• appointing and supporting the National Advisory Council
• monitoring organisational performance and risk

Trustees operate collectively, following a shared Code of Conduct and maintaining a high standard of ethical governance.

The NAC provides expert clinical, scientific, and sector guidance to the Board. Members include clinicians, researchers, and sector specialists who contribute:

• evidence‑informed advice
• review of educational and clinical materials
• guidance on research priorities
• alignment with international best practice
• input into submissions, pathways, and standards

The NAC does not make governance decisions; instead, it ensures that Board decisions are grounded in credible, up‑to‑date evidence.

ANZMES uses a structured, evidence‑informed decision‑making process:

• strategic decisions are made by the Board
• clinical and scientific decisions are informed by NAC expertise
• operational decisions are delegated to staff and project leads
• major decisions require Board approval and alignment with the Trust Deed
• evidence, risk, and sector impact are considered for all decisions

This ensures decisions are robust, transparent, and aligned with ANZMES’ national advisory role.

ANZMES maintains a Conflicts of Interest Register, reviewed at every Board meeting. Trustees and NAC members must:

• declare any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts
• recuse themselves from related discussions or decisions
• uphold impartiality and transparency

A summary of declared interests is available on request.

ANZMES ensures all guidance, submissions, and strategic decisions are grounded in credible, internationally aligned evidence. We draw on:

• NICE ME/CFS Guideline (2021)
• Mayo Clinic Proceedings Consensus Guidance
• Institute of Medicine (IOM/NAM) 2015 Report
• World ME Alliance Medical Hub
• global networks of clinicians and researchers

This ensures ANZMES leads with accuracy, credibility, and confidence as the national advisory body for ME in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Trustees act in the best interests of ANZMES and its charitable purpose, supporting the organisation’s mission to improve recognition, understanding, and outcomes for people with ME and ME‑like post‑viral conditions in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Trustees demonstrate professionalism, honesty, and respect in all interactions. They:

• act with integrity
• maintain confidentiality
• engage constructively with colleagues, staff, and sector partners
• uphold the reputation of ANZMES in all public and private settings

Trustees ensure decisions are grounded in credible, internationally aligned evidence. They draw on:

• expert advice from the National Advisory Council
• recognised international guidelines
• reputable clinical and scientific sources

This ensures ANZMES’ leadership remains accurate, trustworthy, and aligned with best practice.

Trustees are responsible for:

• sound financial stewardship
• compliance with legal and charitable obligations
• transparent reporting through annual reports and governance documents
• maintaining clear records of decisions and oversight

Trustees must declare any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest. They:

• record conflicts in the Conflicts of Interest Register
• withdraw from related discussions or decisions
• act impartially and avoid personal benefit

A summary of declared interests is available on request.

Trustees work collaboratively, respecting diverse perspectives and making decisions collectively. They support Board decisions once made and uphold unity of purpose in public communication.

Trustees handle information with care, ensuring:

• confidentiality of sensitive material
• accuracy in public statements
• responsible use of data and evidence
• protection of organisational integrity

Trustees engage in ongoing learning and development to strengthen governance capability, including:

• understanding ME and related conditions
• staying informed about sector developments
• maintaining familiarity with ANZMES’ strategic priorities