RESPONSIBILITY
LEVELS
GENERAL
1. The St. John Ambulance Brigade has a structure that is based on the modern
functions performed by its members at various levels. Some remnants of the formerly
military structure have been retained where they have been found to be useful, and because
they reflect the paramilitary origin and traditions of the Brigade. In order to promote
the efficient operation of the Brigade, it is essential to maintain a hierarchy. See StJCI
2-2-2 for Brigade Organization.
COMMUNICATION CHANNELS
2. Within the hierarchy of the Brigade, it is important that standard recognized
channels of communication exist within and among all units and levels of the Brigade.
Where possible and practical, all correspondence, both upwards and downwards, should
follow these standard channels of communication.
3. Communication of an operational nature, either written or verbal, should adhere to
the standard channels. When this does not occur, it is both appropriate and a courtesy to
inform intervening parties of the nature and content of the communication.
4. Communication of a professional nature (eg. medical, nursing) or technical nature
(eg. training, planning) may be carried out along those professional or technical lines,
respecting the functional structure of the Brigade
SENIORITY
5. See StJCI 2-9-3, paragraphs 5 to 8 for instructions on seniority within the
Brigade. See StJCI 2-9-3, paragraphs 18 to 19 for authority of the National Commissioner,
and paragraph 13 for authority of the Provincial /Territorial Commissioner.
RESPONSIBILITY OF BRIGADE MEMBERS
6. See StJCI 2-1-1, paragraph 6 and StJCI 2-9-3, paragraph 2 for the
responsibilities and obligations of every Brigade member.
VOLUNTEER /STAFF ROLES
7. There are four types of members within St. John Ambulance:
a. policy decision-making members - volunteer board members
at the national, provincial or local level (eg. Priory Council, Provincial Council,
Branch);
b. committee members - volunteer members of committees that
are formed for the purpose of providing policy recommendations to decision-making boards;
c. direct-service members - volunteer members who deliver
the services of St. John Ambulance (eg. Brigade members, Instructors);
c. paid staff - employed by St. John Ambulance as paid
members.
8. The role of direct-service members, as volunteers, is clear (ie. to fulfill their
duties as a Brigade member or Instructor). The paid staff generally work at the levels of
the policy decision-making and committee members, and there is often confusion about roles
and duplication of effort between paid staff and volunteers at these levels.
9. The following broad delineation of volunteer/paid staff functions, stated in terms
of national policy, are laid out to clarify particular responsibilities and to foster a
strong volunteer/paid staff partnership throughout the organization:
a. policy formulation is the task of both volunteers and paid staff: the
bulk of policy formulation is carried out in various committees;
b. policy determination is the responsibility of the volunteers alone, existing
on boards at all levels. Priory Council is ultimately responsible for approving and
adopting every policy that affects the organization nationally;
c. policy implementation is the responsibility of the paid staff at National,
Provincial and Area headquarters;
d. policy monitoring is the responsibility of both volunteers and paid staff.
Paid staff are responsible for regular performance reporting.
