Accreditation Council – Three Members
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On behalf of the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment is seeking applications for three Council members from candidates who wish to be considered for appointment as a member of the Accreditation Council.
About the Accreditation Council
The Accreditation Council (the Council) is an autonomous Crown entity established under the Testing Laboratory Registration Act 1972, and continues to fulfil its statutory functions today under the Standards and Accreditation Act 2015.
The Council’s activities contribute to the safeguarding of the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders, and helps to ensure that New Zealand products and services meet domestic and overseas regulatory and customer requirements. The Council develops and maintains internationally recognised accreditation programmes for testing and calibration laboratories, radiology services, and inspection bodies under the brand International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ). Further information on the Council and IANZ can be found here:
Key functions of the Council are:
- to promote the development and maintenance of good practice in conformity assessment
- to establish and maintain accreditation schemes for conformity assessment bodies engaged in testing and inspection activities
- to develop and maintain international recognition and acceptance of the Council’s accreditation scheme
- to maintain appropriate international relationships consistent with the Council’s functions under this section
- to act as New Zealand’s good laboratory practice compliance monitoring authority
- if the Council chooses, to provide certification services
- to perform any other functions that the Minister directs the Council to perform in accordance with section 112 of the Crown Entities Act 2004.
The Council’s accreditation programmes (functions a to e above) operate as International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ). The Council provides certification services (function f above) through a subsidiary, Telarc Limited, wholly owned by the Council. The Council also provides training in international standards through its training division, the New Zealand Quality College.
Council Member Responsibilities
Role of Members
The individual duties of Council members are:
- ensuring effective governance of IANZ
- maintaining financial oversight of the organisation
- providing effective leadership and direction to the organisation, consistent with the purpose of the Council and the Minister’s expectations
- utilising relationship management skills, including working effectively with peers and developing valuable strategic connections with industry, consumers, and other stakeholders
- participating in the appointment of the chief executive, and providing direction and ongoing support for them
- supporting fellow Council members to be effective in their roles
- setting strategic direction and developing operational policy consistent with the legislative and policy framwork within which the Council is established, and the broader interests of the Crown
- managing the Council’s investment in Telarc Limited through the appointment of appropriately qualified directors, and through regular monitoring of the company’s performance
- ensuring compliance with the Council’s legislative obligations and Ministerial expectations, and developing the Council’s accountability documents accordingly
- maintaining appropriate relationships with the Minister, Parliarment, MBIE, and the public.
Council members are subject to the collective and individual duties as set out in sections 53-57 of the Crown Entities Act. Members are expected to adhere to the Public Service Commission code of conduct. Further information can be found here:
Membership of the Council
The Council comprises of up to seven members including the Chair, appointed by the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Members are appointed for terms of up to three years and may be reappointed on the expiry of their term. Members of the Council may resign by written notice to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
Time Commitment and Remuneration
Members are entitled to receive remuneration at a rate determined by the Cabinet Fees Framework. Council members are paid a fee of $32,862 per annum. In addition to fees, members are entitled to be reimbursed for actual and reasonable experiences incurred while carrying out the duties of the Council.
The Council will meet as often as is necessary to carry out its role. Members are expected to attend and participate regularly in meetings consistent with the governance standards under the Crown Entities Act.
Meetings are generally held in Wellington. Materials are distributed to members in advance of Council meetings to allow members to be thoroughly prepared.
Person Specifications
Specific Skills Required
At this time, the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is seeking candidates for three member positions who can provide one or more of the following skills and experience:
- Strategic finance – strong analytical skills, experience in risk management, and strategic finance decision-making.
- Information technology – ability to identify emerging technological trends; experience in cybersecurity governance, data management, and risk management across the IT industry.
- Health – a laboratory expert who can bring scientific and technical expertise; extensive experience with regulatory compliance, and the ability to evaluate performance, market trends, and potential challenges.
- Science – capability in physical and applied sciences including chemistry and metrology; experience in research and development oversight, including new technologies and innovation.
Additional Skills, Experience, and Attributes Required
Ideally candidates will have some or all of the following:
- solid governance experience
- an awareness of industry trends that may impact accreditation and certification issues
- strategic leadership
- a clear sense of public accountability and understanding of the relationships between Government and Crown entities
- experience in areas such as accountancy, law, risk management, and commerce
- strong relationship management skills, including working effectively with peers and developing valuable strategic connections with industry, consumers, and other stakeholders
- strong communication skills, including the ability to reason objectively and convey ideas clearly and accurately.
Applicants for member positions should have the necessary skills and experience to enable them to meet the requirements in terms of relevant legislation, and have the demonstrated skills to contribute to Council level decision-making. Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand.
Additional Information
For additional information email boardappointments@mbie.govt.nz