Adapted in accordance with Section 69 of the Copyright Act 1994 by the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind, for the sole use of persons who have a print disability.
Produced 2017 by Accessible Format Production, Blind Foundation, Auckland, New Zealand.
This edition is a transcription of the following print edition:
Waikato District Health Board Consumer Council—Member Position Description
If reading this volume on a portable braille device, note that this e-text is unproofed by touch.
Page 1Title: Waikato District Health Board Consumer Council
Member Position Description
Responsible to: Chief Executive Officer
The Consumer Council will work in partnership with leaders of the Waikato District Health Board (Waikato DHB) to make sure its services are as good as they can be and meet the needs of people in our communities. The different voices and experiences of Consumer Council members will collectively help shape what Waikato DHB does and how we do it, making sure we remain focused on the needs and experiences of people using its services.
Specifically, it will work with the Board and senior management to provide advice on:
The direction and strategic priorities of the DHB
How we can improve specific aspects of some DHB services
The Consumer Council will cover all services the Waikato DHB provides.
Read relevant reports and documents prior to Consumer Council meetings
Attend Consumer Council meetings and:
—provide advice on key strategic documents and plans from a consumer perspective
—promote consumer engagement across Waikato DHB and make sure it remains focused on the people we deliver services to
—focus on improving health outcomes for Māori, people living in rural communities and people living with disabilities (high-needs populations)
—guide DHB services to engage with consumers in service design and delivery (sign-posting to appropriate consumer networks/groups and advising on best approaches)
—identify opportunities where consumers should become involved in specific improvement projects
—advise on people-centred care approaches to service design and delivery
—ensure regular communication and networking with consumer groups, communities and consumers about the work of the Consumer Council (with support)
—maintain an overview of consumer engagement activity across the Waikato
Work constructively with other Consumer Council members and all other associated professionals and consumers
Support the decisions of the Consumer Council
Not approach media about any aspect of the Consumer Council' s work without specific agreement from the Chair of the Consumer Council and CEO
Maintain confidentiality. Some aspects of the work of the Consumer Council may be highly sensitive and as a member of the Consumer Council, you will be required to sign a confidentiality statement/agreement
Declare any conflicts of interest immediately
To avoid doubt, Consumer Council members are not employees of Waikato DHB. The appointment as a member does not alter the member' s employment status prior to the appointment (e.g. self-employed, employee, not employed)
Please note that the Consumer Council will be supported in its work by a DHB staff member. This will include assistance with communication and networking, both within the DHB and externally.
This will vary amongst members. Initially half of the members will be appointed for a one year term, and the remaining half for two years, with all further appointments being for terms of three years. Members may be re-appointed, but for no more than two additional terms.
Page 2The CEO may at any time on written notice to the Chair and relevant member, remove a member from the Consumer Council if he considers that the member is failing to adequately perform the duties of the role.
Meetings will be held monthly (except January) and typically run for two hours
Video-conferencing facilities will be made available at each rural hospital to allow members who live in these areas to participate in meetings (please note that some meetings will need to be attended in person – to be negotiated with Chair)
Pre-meeting and post-meeting reading will be expected
Attendance at other meetings may be necessary. This will be negotiated between the Chair and delegated member
Passion and commitment to help improve public health services in the Waikato
Passion and commitment to help eliminate health inequities for Māori, people in rural communities and people experiencing disabilities
Confidence, maturity and reliability
Relationships and connections within your health interest area or as a result of your personal or family healthcare experiences
Good listening and communication skills with a wide range of people
Able to think creatively, critically and strategically
Confidence to interact positively with senior health professionals and managers
Some knowledge of the New Zealand health and disability sector
Knowledge and appreciation of the Treaty of Waitangi and its application in health
Able and willing to see "the bigger picture" and think beyond your own experience
Good analytical skills
Able to read and review reports
Able to work positively and constructively in a group, share insights, thoughts and opinions
Able to use sound and ethical judgment
Able and committed to maintaining confidential information
Able to conduct yourself professionally at all times
Live in the Waikato and have experience of using health services (within the last 2-3 years), either directly, or via family or whānau
Be actively engaged in a specific area of health interest
Some experience of committee work would be desirable, but not essential
Please note that we do not expect every person to have all of the above knowledge, skills and experience. We appreciate that some of these are learnt through experience and support and mentoring can be made available.
Members of the Consumer Council must abide by the following general principles of good governance in their role:
Members must serve only the interests of the community as a whole and must never improperly confer an advantage or disadvantage on any one person, or group of persons
Members must not place themselves in situations where their honesty and integrity may be questioned, must not behave improperly and must on all occasions avoid the appearance of such behaviour
Members must make decisions on merit
Members must take account of the views of others, but should reach their own conclusions on the issues before them, and act in accordance with those conclusions
Members must treat people, including each other, management and the public, with respect, regardless of their race, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability, and must not unlawfully discriminate against any person or group of persons
Members must uphold the law
Members must conduct their dealings with other members and Waikato DHB staff:
With courtesy and respect
In a way that maintains public confidence in the role
In a way that is open and honest
In a way that focuses on issues rather than personalities
In a way that avoids aggressive, offensive or abusive conduct.
In a way that observes any guidelines that the Chief Executive puts in place regarding contact with employees
In a way that does not compromise, or could be seen as compromising, the impartiality of an employee
In a way that avoids publicly criticising any employee in any way, but especially in ways that reflect on the competence and integrity of the employee
In the course of their duties members may receive information that they need to treat as confidential. Confidential information includes information that officers have judged there is good reason to withhold under the Official Information Act. Where this is the case, members must keep such information confidential (and not disclose it to any third party) and only use that information for the purpose of fulfilling their duties.
Waikato DHB seeks to promote the highest standards of ethical conduct. Accordingly, members must:
Claim only for legitimate expenses
Not influence, or attempt to influence, any employee to take actions that may benefit the member, or the member' s family or business interests
Not use Waikato DHB resources for personal business
Not abuse the advantages of their official position for personal gain, or solicit or accept gifts, entertainment, rewards or benefits that might compromise their integrity
Orientation to the role, guidance and support will be provided to Consumer Council members, as required. This will include:
Initial orientation meeting to Waikato DHB and the role of the Consumer Council
Identified key contact person(s) within the DHB for the role
Adequate and timely communication regarding meetings
Consumer Council members will be paid at a fixed rate of $250 per meeting for Consumer Council attendance. Mileage expenses will also be paid
Expenses beyond core work can also be claimed (e.g. other meeting attendance, project work) in accordance with Waikato DHBs Consumer Engagement Remuneration Guidelines
Members will be supported with accessible communications, including interpreters, as required.
End of Member Position Description