The Families Commission

Superu Board Member Position Description

Superu Crown Entities Act 2004 (see Appendix 2). Superu1 is an autonomous Crown entity established under the Families Individually, members are expected to Commission Act 2003 (the Act). In demonstrate expertise in at least one or 2014 a number of changes were made more of the following areas to reflect to the organisation’s functions and Superu’s current work programme. governance arrangements, including Particular focus for the 2015 appointment Superu’s main functions being: round will be on the following areas: with  to act as an advocate for the strong emphasis on the first three: interests of families generally  to monitor and evaluate experience in the application programmes and interventions in  the social sector, and provide social of statistics social sciences science research into key issues, research (in decision programmes, and interventions making) across that sector.  previous experience in board governance, particularly in Superu is based in Wellington and the public sector, including employs around 39 staff. In 2014/2015 financial/audit literacy it will receive $9.869m in Crown  practical knowledge and funding. Further detail can be found at understanding of the www.superu.govt.nz. diversity of New Zealand Superu Board families and family groups, with particular reference to The Superu Board is the governing body of the entity with the authority to Mäori exercise all powers to perform its  knowledge and understanding functions. It consists of no more than of the family law of New seven, and no less than three Zealand and international members. Provision is made for one conventions and agreements member to be appointed as Families relating to families Commissioner. In addition to being a  knowledge and understanding Board member, the Families of research and evaluation Commissioner may have additional techniques combined with duties as determined by the Board. practical experience in the Details of the collective and individual application of these duties of members are attached at techniques Appendix 1.  the ability to create and maintain effective Appointment Criteria relationships Board members collectively require a  general knowledge and breadth of experience and expertise to understanding of government reflect: policy and legislative  the different matters likely to come processes. before Superu  the needs and aspirations of Term of Appointment different communities of interest All Superu appointments are made by and population groups in New the Minister for Social Development Zealand society. and for a term of up to three years. All members must also meet the After this period members are eligible eligibility requirements as set out in the for re-appointment. Fees

1 Superu, (the Social Policy and Evaluation Unit) is officially the Families Commission. As part of changes to the legislation governing the organisation, the Commission adopted the title ‘Superu’ to further define its functions more clearly. The remuneration of members is set in accordance with the Cabinet Fees Framework. This currently provides for members to receive a daily fee of $565. Members are also entitled to claim expenses such as travel and telephone related costs. Any expenses incurred in carrying out the role are also able to be paid for in accordance with the fees framework. Workload Members are expected to attend all scheduled Board meetings (approximately 10 per year). They may also be required to participate in any specialist committees established by Superu. Most meetings will be held in Wellington. Some meetings may, however, be conducted by telephone conference.

Superu, (the Social Policy and Evaluation Unit) is officially the Families Commission. As part of changes to the legislation governing the organisation, the Commission adopted the title ‘Superu’ to further define its functions more clearly. Appendix 1

Collective and individual duties of Board members

Superu Board members have the following collective duties:  to ensure that the entity acts in a manner consistent with its objectives, functions, current statement of intent, and current statement of performance expectations  to ensure that the entity performs its functions: - efficiently and effectively - in a manner consistent with the spirit of service to the public - in collaboration with other public entities

 to ensure that the entity operates in a financially responsible manner and that it: - prudently manages its assets and liabilities - endeavours to ensure: i. its long-term financial viability; and ii. that it acts as a successful going concern.

Individual duties of Board members include:

 Complying with the Crown Entities Act 2004 and the Families Commission Act 2003

 acting with honesty and integrity

 acting in good faith and not pursuing his or her own interests at the expense of the entity's interests

 acting with reasonable care, diligence, and skill

 not disclosing information apart from exceptional circumstances.

Further information is located in the Crown Entities Act 2004 (www.legislation.govt.nz ).

Eligibility for Appointment

The following people are disqualified from being a member of the Superu Board under Section 30 of the Crown Entities Act 2004:  a person who is an undischarged bankrupt  a person who is prohibited from being a director or promoter of, or being concerned or taking part in the management of, an incorporated or unincorporated body under the Companies Act 1993, or the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013, or the Takeovers Act 1993  a person who is subject to a property order under the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988  a person in respect of whom a personal order has been made under that Act that reflects adversely on the person's— i. competence to manage his or her own affairs in relation to his or her property; or ii. capacity to make or to communicate decisions relating to any particular aspect or aspects of his or her personal care and welfare  a person who has been convicted of an offence punishable by imprisonment for a term of two years or more, or who has been sentenced to imprisonment for any other offence, unless that person has obtained a pardon, served the sentence, or otherwise suffered the penalty imposed on the person  a member of Parliament  a person disqualified under another Act.