Trainee Director FAQs

Can I self-nominate for the Appointed Director, Trainee position?

Yes, you self-nominate for the position, but your nomination is to be supported by a Proposer and Seconder who are to be Fellows of the RANZCP. The nomination form will detail this information.

What is the appointment process?

All nominations are checked to ensure they meet the requirements. This includes ensuring candidates meet the role requirements, and that submission of nomination documents are in accordance with the nomination requirements. 

A small panel of the members from the Corporate Governance Committee and the Board is convened to review nominations and interviews are scheduled. Pending number of candidates, shortlisting may occur. Following interviews, the Selection Panel will make an appointment recommendation to the Board. 

What is the position term?

The term is a maximum of two one-year terms to be determined by the Board on an annual basis.

The Trainee Director is appointed initially for a one-year term. At the end of this term, the Board will consider and may determine to extend the trainee Director’s term for a further year. The Trainee Director will be invited to accept or decline the extension.

Will I have voting rights?

As a Director of the Board, the Trainee Director is a full voting member of the Board, and any other College committees they are a member of (excluding co-opted or observer positions).

What can I expect when I am a Board Member?

Further information on the minimum expectations required to fulfill the responsibilities as a Director, and what Directors can expect from the College to support them throughout their term is available here: Guidance - Role Expectations of a RANZCP Director

What is the time commitment for Board members?

The Board currently meets 9 to 10 times a year. This schedule is a mix of 3 hour virtual meetings and all day in-person meetings. 

Will I participate in any other Committees outside of the Board?

Directors are members of the Members’ Advisory Council (MAC), which meets twice per year in person (timing aligned to in-person Board Meetings) and twice per year virtually.

Directors are allocated to a portfolio/Board Constituent committee. In particular the Trainee Director is the Chair of the Trainee Advisory Council (TAC). 

Allocation to any other portfolio occurs in consultation with and is determined by the President, and time requirements of these groups vary according to the complexity and size of the group. 

Will there be an induction process and what will this involve?

The College has an induction process for all new Board directors facilitated by Company Secretary and President and supported by a comprehensive manual.

The items covered include:

• Director duties and responsibilities of the Board, legal duties and risk management
• College structures
• governance basics and legal risk management
• Board meetings and meeting processes 
• Board engagement with Committees and working with College management and staff.

Will remuneration be offered for the position or professional development?

Board Director positions are not remunerated. However, costs for travel to attend Board, MAC, Constituent Committees, and other meetings or events as approved by the President and Board are covered by the College. This includes the annual RANZCP Congress and New Zealand National Conference.

Professional development is supported by the Board, and all Board members are provided with appropriate training. Professional development will also be identified and delivered to the Board as a collective.

What is the current risk management processes of the Board?

The Board is responsible for risk across the College. Risk is managed via the Finance, Audit and Risk Management (FARM) Committee in accordance with the Risk Management Policy. The College has a matrix which assists in determining the risk rating and it assesses the risk appetite at the time of considering an Extreme or High rated risk. A risk appetite statement is being considered by the Board as part of the College's risk maturity.

What are the current indemnity and insurance provisions for the company?

The College holds a suite of insurance policies to support the College as an organisation and its office holders. These include:

• professional indemnity
• management liability
• ISR - Industrial and Special Risks insurance
• liability, equipment and property
• travel
• voluntary worker
• cyber insurance.

Details are made available at the induction, and the Board is provided with annual reporting during the renewal period.