Ombud Council AR 2026

PART C: GOVERNANCE

8. Fraud and Corruption The Council has a Fraud Prevention Plan in place which includes measures to combat fraud and a Fraud Response Plan. Other Board-approved policies facilitating compliance with the Fraud Prevention plan include a Whistleblower Policy, Financial Management Policy, Code of Conduct, Disciplinary Policy and an Anti-Fraud Statement required to be signed by Board and Committee members, staff members, and contractors. Fraud awareness sessions were included from time to time in the bi-monthly staff meetings. External stakeholders are able to report suspected fraud to the National Anti-Corruption Hotline, as evidenced on our website. 9. Minimising Conflict of Interest The Council’s supply chain management processes include appropriate controls to minimise conflicts. Where the Council participates in bid evaluations a declaration of interest is placed on record at the beginning of the process. The Council also complies with the disclosure of interest provisions in section 193 of the FSR Act. Board and Committee members submit annual declarations of interest, and all Board and Committee meeting agendas require disclosure of any conflicts. 10. Code of Conduct The Board Charter includes provisions dealing with the conduct and ethics of Board and Committee members, and a Board-approved Code of Conduct is in place for all staff and Board and Committee members to promote professional and ethical behaviour. The Council has a Disciplinary Procedure Policy in place to manage misconduct. No actions for breach of the conduct provisions in the Charter or disciplinary actions were required during the period under review.

11. Health, Safety and Environmental Issues

Although the Council is not materially directly impacted by environmental issues, they have indirect impacts - particularly in relation to the insurance sector. Examples of environmental factors that lead to spikes in insurance claims and thus complaint volumes dealt with by ombud schemes, include climate change related extreme weather events; and energy supply challenges, such as Eskom load shedding leading to equipment damage and business interruption claims. From April 2024, the Council has leased office space at the Regus office park in the Midrand, Waterfall area and abided by the health and safety measures of the landlord. The Council has a Board-approved Occupational Health and Safety policy and processes in place and conducts awareness sessions to familiarise staff with safety protocols. 12. Company Secretary The Company Secretary was appointed on an outsourced basis and commenced duties in the 2025/26 financial year. The Company Secretary plays a central role in supporting the effective functioning of the Council Board and Committees. The office is responsible for ensuring that the Council Board operates within its statutory mandate, complies with applicable legislation and regulations, and adheres to principles of good corporate governance. During the reporting period, the Company Secretary provided comprehensive secretarial and governance support to the Council Board and its Committees, including the coordination of Board and Committee meetings, preparation and circulation of agendas and papers, accurate recording of minutes, and follow-up on resolutions and action items. The Company Secretary also prepared the Board and Committee workplans and ensures adherence to these workplans. In addition, the Company Secretary facilitated effective communication between the Board, management, stakeholders, and relevant regulatory authorities. The office further ensured the maintenance of statutory records and proposed a development approach for Board and Committee members, in line with the outcomes of the Board performance evaluation exercise. The Board is satisfied that the Company Secretary has discharged their responsibilities with professionalism, integrity, and due care, and has made a meaningful contribution to the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of the Board during the year under review.

Ombud Council 2025/26 Annual Report

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