While the Secretariat is responsible for the day-to-day running of the Federation, the decisions on its direction and policy are made by the governing bodies. These bodies define a framework of purpose, policies, goals and programmes, and provide a mechanism for accountability and compliance.

The General Assembly is the highest decision-making body of the Federation. It meets every two years and comprises representatives from all member National Societies. It last met in Geneva, Switzerland in November 2007.

A Governing Board acts between general assemblies, meeting twice a year with the authority to make certain decisions. The board comprises the Federation's president and vice presidents, representatives from elected member Societies and the chairman of the Finance Commission. Four other commissions cover health and community services, youth, disaster relief and development.

• View the Governing Board members
• View the Commission members

The General Assembly is responsible for appointing the secretary general, who is the chief executive officer of the Federation, directing the Secretariat and its delegations.

Further details on governance activities are available in the Federation's annual report.