Terms of reference

1. Introduction
2. Purpose
3. Functions
4. Skills
5. Membership of the NGO Council
6. Term of Office
7. Election of the NGO Council
8. Election of the Chair and Deputy Chair
9. NGO Council meetings
10. Remuneration
11. Supporting documents

These terms of reference were last amended in September 2018.

1. Introduction

The NGO Council first convened in 2002 as part of a move to ensure that the sector engages at a high-level with the Ministry of Health. We provide an informed voice, advice and information to the Ministry of Health on the development of policy and practice that impacts the sector. This includes facilitating the exchange of information and views between the NGO Health & Disability Sector and the Ministry of Health. We have enjoyed a positive and productive relationship with the Ministry of Health these past 16 years.

As part of our arrangements with the ministry we hold an annual forum where members of the sector and other agencies can come together, share and network in order to identify ways to improve the contribution of the sector to issues that are both current and ongoing.

2. Purpose 

The NGO Council aims to

• be an informed voice providing advice and information to the Ministry of Health on the development of policy and practice that impacts the sector;
• facilitate the exchange of information and views between the NGO Health & Disability Sector and the Ministry of Health.

3. Functions

The NGO Council achieves its purpose by:

Representing

• Reflecting the views of not-for-profit NGOs across the health and disability sector
• Communicating issues that impact the community sector, from across government, beyond the Ministry of Health

Advising

• Engaging with the annual Government Statement of Intent and Budget planning processes
• Gaining an understanding of priority issues from government’s perspective and influencing them through providing the NGO perspective

Communicating

• Convening the Annual Forum, co-hosted by the NGO Council and the Ministry of Health
• Regular communications between the NGO Council and the wider NGO Health & Disability Sector
• Undertaking special projects from time to time

4. Skills of NGO Council representatives

NGO Council Members bring the following skills:

• Experience working with the social, cultural and economic factors that are the main determinants of health
• Knowledge of and capability in working in the NGO and community sector
• Familiarity with the machinery of government
• Understanding of policy development processes
• Governance experience
• Ability to provide clarity across complex issues
• Ability to work across Government sectors

5. Membership of the NGO Council

NGO Council members are recognised leaders from within their particular area of the Health sector, who bring knowledge and a range of skills and attributes to carry out the work of the NGO Council.

Representatives are elected from each of the following health and disability sub-sectors:

• Disability Support Services (2 representatives)
• Māori Health (3 representatives)
• Mental Health & Addictions (2 representatives)
• Pacific Health (2 representatives)
• Personal Health (2 representatives)
• Public Health (2 representatives)

The NGO Council is able to co-opt people with expertise and knowledge when and if required, including to cover vacancies that may arise from time to time.

6. Term of Office

NGO Council members are elected for a three-year period. Members can re-stand for a second consecutive term.

At each election half of the positions will be up for re-election to provide for continuity of NGO Council work and relationships.

7. Election of the NGO Council

NGO Council members are elected by the members of the Health and Disability NGO Network.

8. Election of the Chair and Deputy Chair

Members of the NGO Council will elect the Chair and Deputy Chair.

The Chairperson’s organisation holds the contract with the Ministry of Health on behalf of the NGO Council.

In recognition of the Treaty of Waitangi, the NGO Council will ensure that either the Chair or the Deputy Chair role will be held by a Māori Health Representative.

9. NGO Council meetings

Meetings are held regularly, usually five times per year, in Wellington at the Ministry of Health.

10. Remuneration

Meeting fees are in accordance with Cabinet guidelines.

11. Supporting documents

Note that the NGO Council Election Process supports this Terms of Reference.

Approved by the NGO Council: 10 September 2018.