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.

The 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, the Chair of the Finance Commission and the Chair of the Youth Commission. The Federation has four constitutional commissions/committees: Finance Commission, Youth Commission, Compliance & Mediation Committee and Election Committee.

• View the Governing Board members
• View the commission/committee members

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

There are 11 advisory bodies set up by the General Assembly or Governing Board [Art. 17 para 1 h of the Constitution and Rule 38 of the Rules of Procedure] in order to help them to facilitate and enhance their work. In addition, the aim of these advisory bodies is to advice the Governing Board/General Assembly on policy development in the core areas of the Strategy 2010. The General Assembly or Governing Board drew up the terms of reference and duration of these bodies.

• Advisory body on health and community service
• Advisory body on disaster preparedness and relief
• Advisory body on development
• Strategic framework advisory group
• Reference group on migration
• Governance group on HIV/AIDS
• Masambo fund
• Governing Board’s group on advocacy and communications
• Governing Board development group
• Ad hoc group on volunteering
• Strategy of the Movement group

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