Funding and governance

Funding

NCIRS Global Health programs are supported through a combination of government funding, grants and partnerships with international organisations. This funding enables us to deliver high-quality technical assistance, research and capacity-building activities to strengthen immunisation systems globally. 
 

Funding sources

Our work is funded by a range of organisations, including:

• the Australian Government – through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and other agencies
• multilateral and global health organisations
• international donors and philanthropic foundations
• partnerships with governments and implementing organisations in partner countries.

Funding arrangements vary by program and are aligned with agreed objectives, deliverables and reporting requirements. 
 

Accountability

As NCIRS is affiliated with the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network (SCHN), all funding is managed under the SCHN and NSW Health financial governance frameworks. This ensures transparent use of funds, compliance with obligations, and robust monitoring, reporting and audit processes. 
 

Partnership approach to funding

NCIRS Global Health works collaboratively with funding partners to ensure investments are well-targeted, effective and sustainable. We prioritise:

• alignment with country-led priorities
• value for money and impact
• strengthening local capacity and systems
• long-term sustainability of outcomes. 
   

Governance

NCIRS Global Health operates within a strong governance framework to ensure our work is ethical, accountable and aligned with national and international priorities. Our governance supports high-quality program delivery, responsible partnerships and effective use of resources to improve immunisation outcomes globally. 
 

Governance framework

Global Health is part of NCIRS, which is affiliated with SCHN, NSW Health. As such, all global health activities are conducted in line with SCHN and NSW Health policies, procedures and governance requirements.

Our governance framework ensures:

• strategic alignment with organisational priorities
• oversight of program delivery and performance
• financial accountability and risk management
• compliance with ethical, legal and regulatory standards
• strong partnership engagement and transparency. 
   

Partnerships and collaboration

NCIRS Global Health works in partnership with governments, international organisations and in-country stakeholders. Governance arrangements for each program are developed collaboratively to ensure:

• shared decision-making and clear roles and responsibilities
• alignment with local priorities and systems
• respect for country ownership and leadership
• transparent communication and reporting.
   

Ethics and compliance

All Global Health activities are conducted in accordance with relevant ethical standards and regulatory requirements, including:

• human research ethics approvals, where applicable
• data governance and privacy requirements
• safeguarding and child protection policies
• compliance with Australian and partner country regulations.
   

Risk management and accountability

Risk management is embedded across all programs. This includes:

• identification and mitigation of operational, financial and reputational risks
• regular monitoring and reporting
• continuous improvement through evaluation and learning. 
   

Monitoring, evaluation and learning

We are committed to measuring impact and strengthening programs through evidence and feedback. Governance supports:

• routine monitoring and reporting against agreed indicators
• independent evaluation where appropriate
• learning and adaptation to improve outcomes and sustainability.