SSSI is a not-for-profit organisation, limited by guarantee. It was formed as a legally constituted body as a company under the rules and regulations of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) in 2009.

The Institute is a strong advocate of high standards of corporate governance. As a result, SSSI is dedicated to adhering to the highest standards in regulating its own affairs and complying with relevant Commonwealth and state laws.

Governance

The governance structure of SSSI provides for a Board of Directors and secondary Consultative (operations) Council encompassing the Commissions and Regional representatives. There is cross-representation in each group.

This model ensures inclusive representation of all major elements of the organisation at the Institute level whilst overcoming the difficulty inherent in large Board structures.

The Board is responsible for the governance, strategic planning, fiduciary oversight and monitoring against the strategic plan.

The Consultative Council oversees membership, professional matters and professional development, certification and service delivery.

Elections

Elections for positions on the Consultative Council are held annually, as follows:

In odd-numbered years: NSW, WA, SA, Tasmania, ACT, Spatial Information & Cartography Commission, Hydrography Commission, and the Engineering & Mining Surveying Commission.
In even-numbered years: QLD, Victoria, NT, New Zealand, Land Surveying Commission, Remote Sensing & Photogrammetry Commission, and the Young Professionals.

Elections are only held if there is more than one nomination for one position at all levels of governance.

SSSI Board positions are elected by the Consultative Council. At least position must be held by a member of the Young Professionals Group and one in a director or managerial position in private practice.

Once every two years the members of a Region will elect members of the Regional Committee and the Institute Commission Committee.