Board & Governance Oversight Commission (BGOC)

The Board & Governance Oversight Commission (BGOC) was approved by the Council in April 2025 as part of WICA's constitution. Council delegates recognized the importance of having an independent body that helps strengthen accountability, transparency, leadership culture, and good governance across the Alliance. December 2025, the Board appointed Elham Binai to establish the framework for the Commission. Formal election of Commission members will take place in October 2026.

The BGOC exists to strengthen governance, accountability, and leadership culture across the Alliance. The Commission is independent from the Board to maintain neutrality, objectivity, and credibility.

Its responsibilities include:

• Reviewing governance structures, roles, responsibilities, and leadership culture.
• Promoting transparency, accountability, stewardship, and ethical leadership.
• Helping ensure that authority and decision-making are appropriately distributed and not concentrated in the hands of a few individuals.
• Overseeing governance-related whistleblowing matters involving Board members, Commission Chairs, and Strategic Committee leaders.
• Supporting governance training and development.
• Providing an annual governance report to the Council.
• Offering independent governance advice and feedback to the Board.

The BGOC is not an operational body and will not be involved in day-to-day management or board activities. The Commission reports directly to the Council and works through governance reviews, regular dialogue with Board leadership, and constructive recommendations aimed at strengthening accountability, transparency, integrity, and organizational health. The Commission will normally meet four times per year and provide an annual report to the Council. It will consist of 3 to 5 members.

Members of the BGOC must have significant executive-level experience and a proven ability to operate in complex organizations. Preference will be given to individuals with experience in large, multinational, alliance, federation, or multi-ministry environments. Desired qualifications include:

• Executive leadership experience.
• Experience serving on boards, governance bodies, or oversight structures.
• Experience with governance, compliance, safeguarding, risk management, or accountability.
• Experience training, mentoring, or developing senior leaders.
• Ability to navigate complexity, build relationships, and remain independent and objective.
• Strong integrity, sound judgment, and respect within the Iranian Christian community.