Governance | Luminwell

OUR GOVERNANCE

How is Luminwell Foundation governed and organised?

Find out about its Governing Body, its Board of Trustees and its Secretariat.

Luminwell Foundation operates through three bodies: the Governing Body, the Board of Directors and the Secretariat. Their respective powers and responsibilities are established by the Foundation’s governing documents and applicable law.

The Governing Body comprises the Foundation’s voting members. Each voting member holds one vote and exercises the rights reserved to members, including electing directors and approving fundamental changes requiring membership approval.

The Board of Directors is accountable to the membership and oversees the Foundation’s strategy, finances, policies and organisational performance. It appoints the Executive Director and delegates responsibility for day-to-day operations through a clearly defined mandate.

The Secretariat implements the Foundation’s programmes and manages its daily activities. It is led by the Executive Director, who serves as the Foundation’s chief executive and administrative officer, accountable to the Board.

To support leadership continuity, the Executive Director’s appointment, delegated authority, performance review and termination procedures are documented in a written agreement approved by the Board, consistent with applicable law and the Foundation’s governing documents.

The Governing Body

Luminwell Foundation is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to advancing youth mental health and wellbeing. Its members contribute to the Foundation’s direction through participation in the Governing Body, in accordance with its governing documents.

Each voting member holds one vote and may submit agenda items, participate in committees, stand for elected positions where eligible, and introduce motions during meetings, subject to the Foundation’s bylaws and rules of procedure.

The Governing Body elects a Bureau comprising one President, 1 Vice-President and 1 Rapporteurs. Bureau members serve a one-year term and may be re-elected. The Bureau facilitates the work and meetings of the Governing Body within its authorised mandate.

The Executive Director serves as Secretary to the Governing Body, supported by designated representatives of the Secretariat. This administrative role is separate from elected Bureau positions and does not require annual re-election. The Executive Director’s appointment and accountability are governed by the Foundation’s bylaws and written agreement.

Board of directors

The Board of Directors of Luminwell Foundation provides strategic oversight and ensures the responsible management of the Foundation’s activities and resources. Guided by the Foundation’s mission and the resolutions of the Governing Body, it establishes policies and priorities for implementation by the Secretariat, in accordance with applicable law and the Foundation’s governing documents.

The Board approves the annual programme of work and budget, oversees financial accountability, considers membership admissions within its authority, and reviews the Secretariat’s performance. Directors are elected by the voting membership or appointed through authorised procedures.

The Chair presides over Board meetings and facilitates its deliberations. The Executive Director currently serves as Interim Chair of the Board while also leading the Secretariat. The Secretary maintains the Board’s meeting records, resolutions and governance documentation. Decisions concerning the Executive Director’s performance, remuneration or appointment are considered by directors without a conflict of interest.

The Secretariat

The Secretariat of Luminwell Foundation is responsible for implementing the mandates, policies and programmes approved by the Governing Body and the Board of Directors. It administers youth mental health initiatives, supports education and awareness activities, coordinates partnerships, and facilitates youth contributions to national and intergovernmental policy discussions. Where authorised, it administers financial and in-kind support to organisations and projects aligned with the Foundation’s purposes.

The Secretariat submits annual reports on its activities, programme outcomes and use of resources to the Board of Directors and the Governing Body. It operates under the oversight of the Board and in accordance with the Foundation’s governing documents.

The Secretariat is headed by the Executive Director, who serves as the Foundation’s chief executive and administrative officer. The Executive Director’s appointment, tenure and responsibilities are governed by the Foundation’s bylaws and written agreement.

The Executive Director is supported by a senior management team comprising Deputy Executive Directors, Directors and Heads of Offices, as established within the Foundation’s approved organisational structure.

lEADERSHIP AS OF 2026

In order of precedence

Executive Director

Tanner Evan Bergsma, Founder and Head of the Secretariat

First Deputy Executive Director

Vacant, Deputy Head of Organisation

Interim Chair, Board of Directors

Tanner Evan Bergsma

President, Governing Body

Actively is the Board Chair

Deputy Executive Director, Programmes