Royal Commission invites applications for Survivor Advisory Group; new forum launched
Wed 13 Mar 2019
The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions is seeking applications for ...
The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions is seeking applications for a Survivor Advisory Group.
The deadline to apply is 31 March 2019.
The Survivor Advisory Group is one method the Commissioners will use to enable the voice of survivors to be heard and involved in the Inquiry. The Advisory Group will provide advice directly to Commissioners. It is expected that the Terms of Reference for the Survivor Advisory Group will be finalised at the first meeting.
The Advisory Group will meet at least four times per year in Auckland or Wellington. There may be other activities between meetings. The Inquiry will pay Advisory Group participants for their time and expertise, for reasonable expenses and for support to participate as needed. Appointments to the Advisory Group are for 18 months.
A brief Expression of Interest document explains what would be involved and how to apply. For more information see the Inquiry website.
For questions about the process or help with applying call the Inquiry on 0800 222 727 (phones are staffed from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday).
Update: The Royal Commission has announced appointments to the Survivor Advisory Group.
Other updates from the Inquiry
The Commissioners have published a short plain English version of the Terms of Reference for the Inquiry. This document will be translated into other languages.
The Commissioners published an update of progress in February 2019. The update noted:
- The Commissioners have agreed the four values of the Royal Commission will be: reciprocity and balance, independence and determination, transparency, and aroha
- The Royal Commission has established a vision for the inquiry: “Transforming the way we, as a nation, care for children, young people and vulnerable adults in our communities.”
- The Commissioners are meeting with stakeholders to gather feedback on how the inquiry should be run and what it should cover. They also plan to hold public events around the country in the near future. Details will be shared on the Inquiry website and Facebook page.
- The Commissioners are developing a number of ways for people to have their say directly to Commissioners. This will include a private listening forum, public hearings, and round table discussions on specific themes.
- The Commissioners are finalising decisions on the composition and roles of advisory groups.
To stay up to date, check the Inquiry website and Inquiry Facebook page.
New independent forum launched
A new independent forum, called the Royal Commission Forum, has been launched to promote justice for survivors of historic abuse in Aotearoa New Zealand with regard to the Royal Commission of Inquiry. The Royal Commission Forum brings together academics, non profit organisations and other stakeholders together.
This Forum website provides information about the Inquiry and links to support agencies. The Forum also publishes commentary on the work of the Royal Commission of Inquiry. The Forum is designed to enable everyone to talk about the activities of the Royal Commission of Inquiry. They welcome submissions for publication on their website. Members of the Forum include: Judith Aitken, Belinda Battley, Paora Moyle, Rosslyn Noonan, Khylee Quince, Elizabeth Stanley, Fleur Te Aho and Stephen Winter. Organisations affiliated with the Forum include CLAN Aotearoa/New Zealand and Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse.
More information
For background information about the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions │Te Kōmihana Karauna mō ngā Tūkino o Mua ki te Hunga i Tiakina e te Kāwanatanga i Tiakina hoki e ngā Whare o te Whakapono, see our previous news stories:
Terms of reference for inquiry into abuse in care finalised; panelists appointed
Royal Commission into Abuse in State Care launched and draft terms of reference released
Public feedback invited on Terms of Reference for Royal Commission of Inquiry into abuse
Prior to the launch of the Royal Commission, a team of academic and legal experts released findings from a survey of survivors and a proposed framework for the inquiry.
Related media
Survivor advocate Toni Jarvis 'over the moon' to be appointed on advisory group, Stuff, 22.05.2019
Otago men to assist commission, Otago Daily Times, 22.05.2019
Ongoing issues with the inquiry into state care risk its very survival, Stuff, 11.04.2019
Questions on conflict of interest in abuse inquiry 'shut down', Radio NZ, 08.04.2019
Minister refuses state abuse inquiry chair's resignation amid conflict criticism, Stuff, 07.04.2019
Royal Commission criticised for slow action on abuse documents, Radio NZ, 30.03.2019
Preservation of Documents, Press Release: Child Abuse Royal Commission, Scoop, 28.03.2019
Church, survivors sign agreement, Otago Daily Times, 23.03.2019
Former caregiver pleads not guilty to abusing 17 teenage boys, Radio NZ, 13.03.2019
Former Child Youth and Family caregiver denies sexually abusing boys, Stuff, 13.03.2019
Child sexual abuse inquiry scope clarified, Stuff, 05.03.2019
Abuse inquiry's scope wider, Otago Daily Times, 05.03.2019
Former Child Youth and Family caregiver accused of abusing boys in his care, Stuff, 11.02.2019
Image: Aaron Burden on Unsplash