Disability Advisory Group Expression of Interest

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1. Disability Advisory Group Expression of Interest Form(Not Applicable)

Disability Advisory Group Expression of Interest Form

Terms of Reference (Not Applicable)

Thank you for applying to be a member of the Disability Advisory Group. Please note applications must be submitted by 5pm on 23 June 2025.

The following outlines the terms of reference for the group:

1. PURPOSE

The purpose of the Advisory Group is for representatives of our disabled community to support Hamilton City Council to build a more accessible and inclusive city by:

Providing feedback and advice on strategies, plans, projects and Council matters requiring a pan disability, accessibility and inclusion lens.

Developing and monitoring the implementation of the Disability Policy Action Plan.

Ensuring issues affecting the disabled community are effectively prioritised.

Building and maintaining effective relationships and networking with the Disability Sector.

Providing support and advice to the Hamilton City Council (HCC) Disability Advisor on disabled persons issues.

Supporting the Council's community governance structure by providing advice.

2. STRUCTURE

The group will include key members of the Disability Sector, Elected Member, the HCC Disability Advisor and other relevant HCC staff.

3. MEETINGS

Ordinary Advisory Group meetings of two hours duration will be held approximately every eight weeks.

Advisory Group members may be asked to attend additional meetings throughout the year for specialised consultation projects and supporting Council work on urgent accessibility and policy matters.

A provisional meeting schedule will be agreed once the year’s intake of members start their appointments. This schedule can be varied throughout the year if required.

Training on Council governance and relevant processes will be provided at start of each member term.

4. MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY

Members should ideally have:

Lived experience, have family members with a disability, be an advocate/self-advocate, or professional working in the disability sector.

An awareness of Universal Design and Enabling Good Lives Principles.

Knowledge and experience of working with and advocating on disability issues.

Able to consult effectively with the disability sector and have strong personal networks in the sector.

Skills and knowledge which will contribute to the aims of the group.

A broad understanding of issues and interests broader than those of a specific disability group or organisation, and the ability to represent these.

A proven ability to work cooperatively and positively in a group environment.

An understanding of Te Tiriti O Waitangi – The Treaty of Waitangi.

5. MEMBERS APPOINTMENT

The advisory group will consist of up to eight appointed represented members from the Disability Sector.

Appointment to the Advisory Group will be initiated through an Expression of Interest process.

Applicants will be interviewed and appointed by an Appointment Panel, consisting of one Elected Member, HCC Community Development and Grants Manager and HCC Disability Advisor.

A Chairperson will be appointed by the Appointment Panel and will be responsible for chairing and setting the meeting agenda along with HCC Disability Advisor.

A member may receive notification in writing terminating their membership where they:

Fail to attend three meetings per year without a valid reason.

Underperform in their duties by failing to adequately prepare for meetings or meet deadlines without a valid reason.

Breach of Advisory Group Terms of Reference, Conflict of Interest Declaration and Honorarium Guidelines.

Bring Council into disrepute or their membership entails a significant conflict of interest that has not been disclosed.

The Chair and HCC Disability Advisor must first raise the issues directly with the member and try and resolve by mutual agreement. If under performance continues the Chair and HCC Disability Advisor can recommend to the Elected Member and the HCC Community Development and Grants Manager that the member be removed. Termination of appointment will be advised in writing.

6. TENURE OF MEMBERSHIP

Generally, the appointment is for three years with the right of renewal for one further term. (Note: this is subject to the members appointment conditions as outlined in section 5 above).

7. REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES

Advisory Group Members will be paid an honorarium for meeting attendance at a rate of $110.00 per two hour meeting.
To receive remuneration, Members must attend meetings in person, for the whole duration of the meeting.

The Chair will receive a meeting fee of $150.00 per meeting in recognition of their additional responsibilities.

8. SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS

Members should discuss their individual support requirements with the Appointment Panel.

9. CONFIDENTIALITY

If members receive information that is confidential, they must ensure it remains confidential.
Confidential information is defined as having the potential to cause harm, to Council or to other parties, should it be released to the public.

10. CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The Advisory Group members will declare all conflicts of interest and complete a signed conflicts of interest register which can be updated at any stage during the term.

11. MEETING PROTOCOLS

The Advisory Group may invite presentations from external organisations and individuals in schedule meetings if topics are relevant to the panel’s strategic agendas.
The Chair approves such external presentations in consultation with the HCC Disability Advisor.

12. QUORUM

The quorum required for resolution at meetings will be half the members, including the Elected member and HCC Disability Advisor.

13. MEDIA

The panel may issue media releases through Councils Communication Unit on council matters or issues of importance to the Disability Sector.

Please note: If your application to be a member of the Disability Sector Advisory Group is successful, you will be required to sign a document agreeing to the conditions outlined above.

Please complete the form below. Once completed please click the submit button to send it to Hamilton City Council. Applications close at 5pm on XX XXXX 2025.

If you have any questions please contact HCC Disability Advisor, Michelle Rivers by email Michelle.Rivers@hcc.govt.nz or phone 027 800 4270

Contact Details (Not Applicable)

Please tell us your name and contact details:

1. If you are applying as a representative of your organisation please add the organisation's name.

2. If you are applying as an individual and do not represent a specific organisation please leave the organisation field blank.

Name

Title

First name

Last name

Organisation name

Postal Address

Must be an email address.

Phone Number

Must be a New Zealand phone number.

Tell us about your community experience? (Not Applicable)

1) Please tell us why you are interested in being on the HCC Disability Sector Advisory Group?

2) Please briefly describe your experience of the Hamilton Disability Sector (you can use bullet points) ?

3) Please tell us about any unique skills, knowledge or value you will add to the Disability Sector Advisory Group?

4) Please give us an indication of the networks you have in the Hamilton Disability Sector? (you can list them)

5) Please tell us about any experience you may have had on any other Advisory Panels, Boards or Trusts.

6) All meeting correspondence will be sent via email. Do you have access to the internet and a laptop or iPad with email and word document capability?

Yes

Clear

7) Do you need any assistance to attend the Advisory group meetings? If yes, please tell us what assistance you need?

8) Please add anything else you would like us to know:

9) Please attach two letters from people, or organisations, who support your application to the Advisory Group. The letters could include verification of your networks, knowledge or experience of the disability sector and the impact you have made in roles you have held.

Attach a file: Upload new file

10) Please attach any documents relevant to your expression of interest:

Attach a file: Upload new file

What happens now? (Not Applicable)

Thank you for completing an expression of interest to be a member of the Disability Sector Advisory Group.

Council staff with process all applications and draft a summary report for the Appointment Panel.

Each application will be taken on it's own merits. Consideration will be given to sector representation, knowledge and experience that will be bought to the group.

Every applicant will be notified of the outcome of their application.

Successful applicants will be offered membership on the Advisory Group and will be asked to complete an acceptance and confidentiality form.

If you have any questions please contact HCC Disability Advisor, Michelle Rivers by email Michelle.Rivers@hcc.govt.nz or phone 027 1800 4270