Structure

GIP SPSI operates through three bodies which set direction and monitor the organisation’s activities.

The General Assembly

GIP SPSI’s General Assembly is composed of one representative from each member organisation, with the exception of the government which has six representatives.

The General Assembly adopts, amends and renews the GIP’s founding agreement, and approves new GIP members.

The Executive Board

The Executive Board is composed of one representative of each of the eleven founding members and appointed by the General Assembly for a period of three years.

The role of the Board, which meets at least twice a year, is to:

• deliberate on the strategic direction of GIP,
• approve the annual programme,
• approve the annual budget, financial account and balance sheet,
• appoint the members of the Steering Committee.

The Steering Committee

The Steering Committee is attached to the GIP chairman.

It comprises the directors of the national social security funds or their representatives (ex-officio members) and various individuals appointed by the Executive Board for a period of three years for their expertise and research work in the field of health and social welfare, particularly in the international sphere.

Meeting at least once a year, the Steering Commitee assists the Board of Directors in determining strategies and priorities for action for the provision of technical assistance and cooperation.

The Executive Board has set up three task forces on the following issues:

• funding mechanisms and social welfare,
• reduction of poverty (in the Millennium Development Goals sense),
• aid policy for creating and improving health care systems (focusing on health care and access to care, and the organisation and management of health care systems).

The General Assembly, Executive Board and Steering Committee are chaired by Jean-Marie Spaeth, Chair of GIP SPSI.