SINGAPORE: The National Council of Social Service (NCSS) will get powers and functions to support its expanded role as a "sector developer", after parliament passed a Bill on Tuesday (Jan 13).
The National Council of Social Service (Amendment) Bill was proposed by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) as social issues grow more complex, requiring greater collaboration between multiple service providers and stakeholders.
NCSS, a statutory body under MSF, has responded to shifts in the social service landscape and expanded to become a sector developer, Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli said in parliament on Tuesday.
In this expanded role, NCSS will focus on strengthening service delivery, building social service sector capabilities and delivering a robust social service ecosystem.
“Today, social needs are more complex and cut across multiple domains, such as economic and health. Greater coordination and collaboration are needed across the sector,” said Mr Masagos.
“To more holistically support those they serve, social service agencies have expanded beyond addressing singular causes.
“The broader ecosystem supporting social services has also expanded. While social service agencies remain our sector’s backbone, we now have more stakeholders such as social enterprises, corporates and philanthropic organisations.”
The National Council of Social Service Act has remained largely unchanged since its enactment in 1992.
“Given the significant shifts in the social service landscape, MSF and NCSS reviewed how NCSS should be best positioned to continue serving the sector effectively,” said Mr Masagos.
“This Bill is the result of that review and reflects both NCSS’ and the sector’s proposals.”
He added that this was an opportunity to update the Act in line with current legislation for other statutory boards with similar functions. This includes “modernising the language and structure” of the Act.
It also strengthens clauses relating to the governance of the council, Community Chest, NCSS’ committee to maintain high standards of conduct.
In NCSS’ expanded role as a sector developer, the council will identify gaps and allocate resources, conduct data research, develop professional capabilities, and drive philanthropy and volunteerism, among others.
22:32 Min
As Singapore faces growing and increasingly complex social needs, it is moving to build a stronger and more future-ready social service sector. This includes ensuring that the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) is in the best position to do its work effectively. In parliament on Tuesday (Jan 13), Social and Family Development Minister Masagos Zulkifli outlined proposed changes to better reflect NCSS’ role as a sector developer to strengthen social service delivery, build capabilities and develop the overall ecosystem. The council will get broader representation and its size will be kept flexible, with a longer term. A streamlined sector membership framework will be introduced. The National Council of Social Service Act, largely unchanged since 1992, will also be aligned with those of other statutory boards.
There will also be changes to the board. Currently, the board comprises 23 members, about half of whom are elected by member organisations for a two-year term.
Under the changes, it would have a minimum of 15 and a maximum of 27 members appointed by the Minister of Social and Family Development. This will be known as the council.
At least half of the council, excluding the chairperson, must be appointed from individuals nominated by sector members.
Employees of sector members would be allowed to sit on the council, and the council term would be three years, so they have a “longer runway to contribute meaningfully to NCSS’ work”.
The amendments also provide for council members to be paid an honorarium in line with the Public Service Division’s guidelines.
There would also be tweaks to NCSS’ three-tiered membership system. Currently, members are categorised as full members, associate members and honorary members. This is based on their social service involvement.
It will now be a single-tier sector membership where members must have the primary function of providing or directly supporting the provision of a social service in Singapore.
“With these changes, the current membership base will be rationalised and supported in their transition,” Mr Masagos said.
“Most member organisations will experience minimal impact to their day-to-day membership experience.”
The social service sector has undergone significant changes in recent years.
Initially known as the Singapore Council of Social Service, it was restructured to become the NCSS in 1992, serving as a statutory board and membership body.
Since then, social issues have grown increasingly complex, with cross-cutting needs that require “holistic and sustained interventions”, said NCSS.
There is also growing public interest and expectations in social issues, and donors and funders seek greater impact and accountability.
MSF conducted “extensive engagements” with about 300 NCSS member organisations and members of the public to shape the Bill, said Mr Masagos.
The amended Act is targeted to take effect on Aug 1, 2026.
While welcoming the changes, Members of Parliament asked questions about the number of council members and how members will be selected.
Nominated Member of Parliament Professor Kenneth Poon sought clarification on the range of council members required, while MP Melvin Yong (PAP-Radin Mas) asked about the nomination criteria.
Mr Masagos said that an "appointment approach" gives the ministry greater certainty in constituting the council.
This would allow the ministry to bring together people from various backgrounds, including candidates from organisations of different sizes and nature, and with the necessary range of skills and experiences.
"The shift to a fully appointed council allows for the composition of the council to be considered as a whole, so that it better represents the sector and has the necessary mix of skills and perspectives."
Mr Masagos said the ministry is working out the specific implementation details and will share more with sector members in due course.
“As Professor Poon pointed out, NCSS needs broad expertise and deep sector insight to effectively steward the sector. Broadly, we will consider whether individuals have relevant experience in senior leadership, governance or social service,” the minister added.
"We would also look out for individuals with specific skillsets like law, science or technology. Beyond professional credentials, experience on the ground is also important.”
On the range in council size with an increased maximum size of 27 members, Mr Masagos said that the range is comparable to that of the allowed size of other statutory boards that play similar roles/
"Eventual size will be based on the needs of the time."
06:39 Min
The proposed amendments better reflect the reality of what the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) is responsible for by strengthening it and aligning its governance with its expanded responsibilities, said NMP Kenneth Poon. It enhances NCSS’ capacity to provide stable and capable stewardship of a complex and evolving social service system, he said in parliament on Tuesday (Jan 13). Prof Poon also sought clarification on the rationale for the wider range of council members, and wanted to know how it would support effective representation and governance.
MPs also spoke about the need for diversity on the council as well as representation from smaller agencies serving on the frontlines.
Addressing concerns on how the Bill may affect innovation in the social service sector, particularly on smaller organisations, Mr Masagos said NCSS will continue taking a “risk-proportionate approach” to governance to support innovation while maintaining accountability.
He added that similar compliance requirements already exist to safeguard public funds.
“NCSS will support and engage sector members when implementing any new standards, and do so in a practical manner, including providing relevant resources and training, as it has been doing,” said the minister.
Noting concerns about ministerial power to issue directions, Mr Masagos said this is part of the governance framework for statutory boards and not meant to limit NCSS’ exercise of its functions or its role in conveying sector feedback.
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The National Council of Social Service (Amendment) Bill was proposed by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) as social issues grow more complex, requiring greater collaboration between multiple service providers and stakeholders.
NCSS, a statutory body under MSF, has responded to shifts in the social service landscape and expanded to become a sector developer, Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli said in parliament on Tuesday.
In this expanded role, NCSS will focus on strengthening service delivery, building social service sector capabilities and delivering a robust social service ecosystem.
“Today, social needs are more complex and cut across multiple domains, such as economic and health. Greater coordination and collaboration are needed across the sector,” said Mr Masagos.
“To more holistically support those they serve, social service agencies have expanded beyond addressing singular causes.
“The broader ecosystem supporting social services has also expanded. While social service agencies remain our sector’s backbone, we now have more stakeholders such as social enterprises, corporates and philanthropic organisations.”
KEY CHANGES
The National Council of Social Service Act has remained largely unchanged since its enactment in 1992.
“Given the significant shifts in the social service landscape, MSF and NCSS reviewed how NCSS should be best positioned to continue serving the sector effectively,” said Mr Masagos.
“This Bill is the result of that review and reflects both NCSS’ and the sector’s proposals.”
He added that this was an opportunity to update the Act in line with current legislation for other statutory boards with similar functions. This includes “modernising the language and structure” of the Act.
It also strengthens clauses relating to the governance of the council, Community Chest, NCSS’ committee to maintain high standards of conduct.
In NCSS’ expanded role as a sector developer, the council will identify gaps and allocate resources, conduct data research, develop professional capabilities, and drive philanthropy and volunteerism, among others.
22:32 Min
As Singapore faces growing and increasingly complex social needs, it is moving to build a stronger and more future-ready social service sector. This includes ensuring that the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) is in the best position to do its work effectively. In parliament on Tuesday (Jan 13), Social and Family Development Minister Masagos Zulkifli outlined proposed changes to better reflect NCSS’ role as a sector developer to strengthen social service delivery, build capabilities and develop the overall ecosystem. The council will get broader representation and its size will be kept flexible, with a longer term. A streamlined sector membership framework will be introduced. The National Council of Social Service Act, largely unchanged since 1992, will also be aligned with those of other statutory boards.
There will also be changes to the board. Currently, the board comprises 23 members, about half of whom are elected by member organisations for a two-year term.
Under the changes, it would have a minimum of 15 and a maximum of 27 members appointed by the Minister of Social and Family Development. This will be known as the council.
At least half of the council, excluding the chairperson, must be appointed from individuals nominated by sector members.
Employees of sector members would be allowed to sit on the council, and the council term would be three years, so they have a “longer runway to contribute meaningfully to NCSS’ work”.
The amendments also provide for council members to be paid an honorarium in line with the Public Service Division’s guidelines.
There would also be tweaks to NCSS’ three-tiered membership system. Currently, members are categorised as full members, associate members and honorary members. This is based on their social service involvement.
It will now be a single-tier sector membership where members must have the primary function of providing or directly supporting the provision of a social service in Singapore.
“With these changes, the current membership base will be rationalised and supported in their transition,” Mr Masagos said.
“Most member organisations will experience minimal impact to their day-to-day membership experience.”
WHY IT MATTERS
The social service sector has undergone significant changes in recent years.
Initially known as the Singapore Council of Social Service, it was restructured to become the NCSS in 1992, serving as a statutory board and membership body.
Since then, social issues have grown increasingly complex, with cross-cutting needs that require “holistic and sustained interventions”, said NCSS.
There is also growing public interest and expectations in social issues, and donors and funders seek greater impact and accountability.
MSF conducted “extensive engagements” with about 300 NCSS member organisations and members of the public to shape the Bill, said Mr Masagos.
The amended Act is targeted to take effect on Aug 1, 2026.
MP CONCERNS
While welcoming the changes, Members of Parliament asked questions about the number of council members and how members will be selected.
Nominated Member of Parliament Professor Kenneth Poon sought clarification on the range of council members required, while MP Melvin Yong (PAP-Radin Mas) asked about the nomination criteria.
Mr Masagos said that an "appointment approach" gives the ministry greater certainty in constituting the council.
This would allow the ministry to bring together people from various backgrounds, including candidates from organisations of different sizes and nature, and with the necessary range of skills and experiences.
"The shift to a fully appointed council allows for the composition of the council to be considered as a whole, so that it better represents the sector and has the necessary mix of skills and perspectives."
Mr Masagos said the ministry is working out the specific implementation details and will share more with sector members in due course.
“As Professor Poon pointed out, NCSS needs broad expertise and deep sector insight to effectively steward the sector. Broadly, we will consider whether individuals have relevant experience in senior leadership, governance or social service,” the minister added.
"We would also look out for individuals with specific skillsets like law, science or technology. Beyond professional credentials, experience on the ground is also important.”
On the range in council size with an increased maximum size of 27 members, Mr Masagos said that the range is comparable to that of the allowed size of other statutory boards that play similar roles/
"Eventual size will be based on the needs of the time."
06:39 Min
The proposed amendments better reflect the reality of what the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) is responsible for by strengthening it and aligning its governance with its expanded responsibilities, said NMP Kenneth Poon. It enhances NCSS’ capacity to provide stable and capable stewardship of a complex and evolving social service system, he said in parliament on Tuesday (Jan 13). Prof Poon also sought clarification on the rationale for the wider range of council members, and wanted to know how it would support effective representation and governance.
MPs also spoke about the need for diversity on the council as well as representation from smaller agencies serving on the frontlines.
Addressing concerns on how the Bill may affect innovation in the social service sector, particularly on smaller organisations, Mr Masagos said NCSS will continue taking a “risk-proportionate approach” to governance to support innovation while maintaining accountability.
He added that similar compliance requirements already exist to safeguard public funds.
“NCSS will support and engage sector members when implementing any new standards, and do so in a practical manner, including providing relevant resources and training, as it has been doing,” said the minister.
Noting concerns about ministerial power to issue directions, Mr Masagos said this is part of the governance framework for statutory boards and not meant to limit NCSS’ exercise of its functions or its role in conveying sector feedback.
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