In April 2009, our board voted in a new constitution.

The new constitution is the result of a sector-wide governance review. This review specifically asked the social services sector how the Social Services Industry Training Organisation (ITO) could become more responsive to the industry.

What has changed?

The new constitution changes several things for us. Before the change, our governance was made up of two advisory groups – one representing general social services and one representing iwi.  Each group elected four representatives to sit on the board, elected a chair and hired an executive director. This meant the ITO had two board chairs and two executive directors. This was called Te Whaiora model and represented a shared bicultural approach to governance and senior management. 

Under the new constitution, there will be one membership group that represents the sector. This group will elect a membership panel which will appoint six board members based on their skills and the skills the ITO needs.  At least 50% of the board must be Māori. Māori is defined as someone who is descended from hapu/iwi, is committed to Māori development and can operate from Te Ao Māori. This new board will appoint a chair and hire the chief executive. 

The specifics of the changes are:

• the ITO will set up a membership-based system
• voting members will elect an appointments panel
• an appointments panel of four members will appoint the board members, based on skills
• the board will consist of six members who will be appointed following the 2010 annual general meeting
• at least 50% of the board members will be Māori
• the board will elect one chairperson
• the board will hire the chief executive. 

What happens in the meantime?

The day-to-day operations of the ITO will run as usual. The new board will not be fully in place until after the 2011 annual general meeting. 

The new constitution allows for a transitional board of three members, which is now in place and has been granted the full powers of the Board of Directors:

• Owen Lloyd
• Moana-o-Hinerangi
• Sue Driver. 

The membership model will be developed over the next two years while the transitional board is in place. If you would like further details please give us a call on 0800 558 558.