Governance

GEMS is committed to sound corporate governance centered on transparency, fairness, due diligence and objectivity. Much work is performed to ensure that GEMS's governance principles and practices are above reproach.

An independent board is responsible to govern the affairs of the Scheme and to protect the interest of its members. The Board of Trustees decides on issues such as benefit structures, scheme rules and contribution rates in accordance with the Medical Schemes Act 131 of 1998. This ensures that GEMS's financial status remains healthy and that its service providers comply with strict rules and maintain high service levels.

The first permanent Board of Trustees of the Scheme assumed office in July 2007. The Board consists of 12 trustees of whom six were elected by the members of the Scheme from amongst their ranks and the remaining six were appointed by the Minister for Public Service and Administration.

Scheme committees

In addition to the Scheme's Board of Trustees (BOT) and Management Team, there are five Committees of the Board that oversee the work done in various areas. They perform their duties with your best interests at heart. You can rest assured knowing that your medical scheme is in capable hands. Committees of the Board are:

1 Audit Committee: Assists the BOT in carrying out its duties relating to the Scheme's accounting policies, internal control systems, financial reporting and risk management practices.

2 Operations Committee: Assists the BOT in ensuring efficient operations of the Scheme, such as the collection of contributions, claim payments and managing member records. The committee also assists the BOT with marketing and communications.

3 Ex Gratia Committee: Assesses, decides and reports on the approval of Ex Gratia payments, i.e. payment of members' claims where normal benefits are not available. Strict criteria are consistently applied when the committee meets monthly to consider requests for Ex Gratia payments.

4 Governance and Risk Committee: Ensures that sound corporate governance is applied in the Scheme's affairs by making sure the Scheme does not contravene any law or rule that affects its operations. It must also make sure that risks to the Scheme's business are identified and properly managed and that the interests of all stakeholders in the Scheme are properly protected.

5 Dispute Committee: Independently considers and presides over any dispute the Principal Officer may refer to them for adjudication.