Essendon FC is committed to ensuring that high standards of corporate governance and risk management are maintained throughout the club.

Elements of the club’s governance framework include:

  • An employee code of conduct and club values framework emphasising the importance of ethical and responsible decision-making and the promotion of safety and wellbeing;
  • An executive structure aligned to strategic priorities with clear, single lines of accountability
  • Enhanced risk management and policy and procedure frameworks, including clear delegations and strong medical, recruitment and procurement policies, procedures and practices;
  • Regular and structured reporting to the Board across all key areas of the business;
  • Annual staff training in safety, bullying, harassment and diversity;
  • Clear job descriptions for all staff which include accountabilities for wellbeing, governance and compliance.
  • Annual performance plans and reviews for all staff to drive a strong culture of accountability and feedback; 
  • A designated club integrity officer and other internal integrity reporting channels (including anonymous channels) that are promoted to staff and players, along with a whistleblower policy and procedure;
  • A Finance, Risk, Integrity and Governance Committee with oversight of integrity, risk management and governance;
  • Monitoring of attitudes to governance, risk and compliance through staff surveys.