HSRC Integrated Annual Report 2018/2019

Introduction The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) is a Schedule 3A national public entity in terms of the Public Finance Management Act (Act No. 1 of 1999) (PFMA). The Minister of Science and Technology is the Executive Authority, and the HSRC Board, appointed by theMinister of Science and Technology, is the Accounting Authority. Portfolio Committees HSRC delegations made two presentations to the Portfolio Committee on Science and Technology during the year under review: • 18 April 2018: Presentation of the HSRC Annual Performance Plan for 2018/19; and • 11 October 2018: Presentation of the HSRC Integrated Annual Report for 2017/18. The Standing Committee on Appropriations invited the HSRC to: • Comment on the 2018 Appropriation Bill on 11May 2018. The HSRC delegation provided an overview of pertinent issues pertaining to the budget votes on Economy; Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs; Basic Education and Higher Education and Training; Health; Science and Technology; and Rural Development and Land Reform; and • Provide a briefing on the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement for 2018, on 7 November 2018. The briefing highlighted a number of pertinent socio-economic issues on accelerated economic growth, infrastructure investment, education and skills, health, government and public service and green research and development. The Committee Chairperson commented that the HSRC was a valued partner to the Committee and that its inputs would form an important part of the Committee’s oversight over the budget allocation and the departments’ service delivery performance. Executive Authority As required by the PFMA and associated Treasury Regulations, the HSRC submitted the following reports to the Executive Authority during the year under review: • Quarterly performance reports on progress made in the implementation of the Annual Performance Plan on 20 July 2018, 22 October 2018, 21 January 2019 and 23 April 2019: -- A report on actual revenue and expenditure up to the end of the quarter as well as a projection of expected revenue and expenditure for the remainder of the financial year; -- A PFMA Compliance Report; -- A PPPFA Compliance Report; -- A Risk Management Report; and -- A detailed Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Report. • The Integrated Annual Report (15 August 2018). The Board (Accounting Authority) The Role of the Board The primary purpose and role of theHSRCBoard are to provide effective corporate governance and oversight over the performance of the HSRCmanagement. The Board is accountable to the Minister of Science and Technology (the Minister) and Parliament in respect of its functions and responsibilities. Responsibilities and Duties of the Board Corporate Governance The Board’s corporate governance functions are: • To ensure that the HSRC’s activities, performance and values are in line with the statutory objects and functions as specified in sections 3 and 4 of the Act; • To determine, monitor and evaluate the implementation of the HSRC’s Strategic and Business plans in conjunction with the CEO, and to conclude a shareholder’s agreement with the Executive Authority (the Minister) setting out mutual rights and obligations; • To exercise fiduciary oversight over the assets of the HSRC by ensuring that the HSRC’s financial records are regularly audited in accordance with best corporate practice; that management of the assets complies with the PFMA; and that there are adequate risk management measures, procedures and practices in place to protect the HSRC’s assets and reputation; G o v e r n a n c e R e p o r t PART C: GOVERNANCE 62 / HSRC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2018/19