VVSA was born from the awareness of the lack of psycho-social support for victims of political violence and the impact of this void on the work of CSOs strengthening the rule of law in Africa. We fill this gap by working with HRDs, as well as other victims of political violence, to build awareness and enhance their capacity and networks of support. VVSA is governed by an Executive Board whose functions are laid out in the Board Charter. VVSA is guided by the belief that an effective Board is one that observes its legal duties and responsibilities, effectively monitors the activities of management, provides advise on effective strategies for the organization, and meets regularly. The Board manual contains all guidelines and practices required for the efficient and effective operation of the VVSA Board. The Board manual contains guidelines for the Board’s operations and will be reviewed from time to time to ensure that it is responsive to the context. This manual may be amended by majority vote of Board members at a regularly scheduled Board meeting.

The main responsibilities of the Board are rooted in a governance framework that aims to ensure the Board provides strategic guidance, effectively monitors and advises management, and holds management accountable for resources. The Board shall have access to all necessary information when used responsibly and confidentially. Therefore, the Board shall act on a fully informed basis, in good faith, with due diligence, and in the best interest of VVSA and its stakeholders. Board members as fiduciaries shall apply high ethical standards in line with best International practices with a view not to:

1. a) Expose the VVSA to unmanageable risk or serious loss.
2. b) Allow or cause the VVSA to incur obligations unless there are reasonable grounds to believe

that the organization will perform the obligations as and when required.

1. c) Allow or suffer VVSA to act in a manner that contravenes the law