Governance and Working Structures of German Caritas Association
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The Governance and Working Structures of the German Caritas Association
The recent changes in the welfare state, new Europe-wide conditions for practicing social work and difficult economic situations all require solutions. The Caritas Association not only wants to help people effectively now, but also in the future. We want to actively take part in social development in Germany and Europe. The structure of the German Caritas Association helps us to achieve these goals.
The Assembly of Delegates
The Assembly of Delegates has as many as 199 members and is the sovereign power of the German Caritas Association. The Assembly was convened for the first time in October 2004 and has a six-year term of office. The Assembly represents all of the member groups of the Association. The Assembly of Delegates has all the rights and duties of a general assembly. It makes decisions on fundamental issues in the Caritas Association and elects the President and Vice Presidents.
The Council
The Caritas Council consists of 29 voting members who serve as supervisors for the Board. The Council makes important decisions affecting the policies of the Association. It approves the budget, accepts budget reports and grants discharge to the Board. The Finance Commission carries out the duties of economic supervision and control of the Caritas Council and has its own Director. The Caritas Council consists of the President, Secretary General, the twelve Chairs and Directors of Diocesan Caritas Associations, and representatives from specialised charity organisations, societies, religious orders and local associations. The Caritas Council is elected by the Assembly of Delegates.
The Board
The operations of the Association are overseen by the Board. This full-time office is limited to a term of six years. The Board currently consists of President Prelate Dr. Peter Neher, who is also the Head of Association Management, Development and International Responsibility, Secretary General Prof. Dr. Georg Cremer, who is the Head of Social and Professional Policy, Publications and Public Relations, and Niko Roth, who is Head of Finances, Human Resources and Corporate Issues.
The President
The President of the German Caritas Association is elected by the Assembly of Delegates. He or she serves a term of 6 years and is the Association’s official spokesperson to the Church and the public. The President functions as one of the Association’s principle bodies and as the Chair in all decision and policy-making commissions, except for the Finance Commission. Prelate Dr. Peter Neher is currently the President of the German Caritas Association. In his work, the President is supported and advised by the Association’s three Vice-Presidents, Maria Loers, Sister Edith-Maria Magar and Provost Dr. h.c. Norbert Feldhoff.