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Process to Identify the Value and Role of Consumer Representation on a Case by Case Basis

• Step 1 Assess the Situation
• Step 2 Identify the Value of Consumer Representation in this Case
  • Describe the Consumer Constituency
    • Example: Description of the Consumer Constituency for an Advisory Body on Diabetes
      • Other Significant Factors
  • Develop the Person Specification
    • Example: Person Specification for Consumer Representation on Advisory Body on Diabetes
      • Other Attributes Required
• Step 3 Confirm Your Decision and/or Provide Advice

Note: Officials should consult MCA when proposing a new board or advisory body, or when reviewing/restructuring a board or advisory body.

Step 1 Assess the Situation

If two or more of the following criteria are met then consumer representation may be appropriate and should be considered.

• Consumers are directly or indirectly receiving services from the industry.
• Consumers are buying products which are produced by the industry.
• The matter under consideration involves consumers or has implications for consumers.
• The board's functions, or committee's terms of reference, or legislation include matters which impact on consumers.

Step 2 Identify the Value of Consumer Representation in this Case

To identify the value of consumer representation in this case, you need to

• describe the consumer constituency and
• develop the person specification.

Describe the Consumer Constituency

Describe the group(s) of people who buy the products, use the service, or are affected by the decisions which are / will be made by the body. This is the consumer constituency. The description of the consumer constituency also describes the knowledge and experience you will seek when recruiting a consumer representative.

Example: Description of the Consumer Constituency for an Advisory Body on Diabetes

The consumer constituency includes people with Type A and Type B diabetes. These two types of diabetes have different causes and can have different impacts.

Type A diabetes has a genetic cause. Type A diabetics come from across the spectrum of the population and their numbers are relatively stable. Dependence on insulin makes low income earning a significant factor.

A common cause of Type B diabetes is diet. This is the group of diabetics which is growing. A significant proportion of Type B diabetics are either Maori or Pacific Island, many of whom are in low income earning groups. The cost of prescriptions and of appropriate food can be a problem.

Other Significant Factors

• Social expectations mean that the effects are different for males and females and
• Age is significant in that there are age groups which have specific difficulties e.g. reproduction can be difficult for both genders, youth can present difficulties because of hormonal and other factors, and those over 55 years need particular care to avoid circulatory difficulties and their consequences - usually loss of eyesight and mobility.

Develop the Person Specification

The next page of this circular describes the qualities you can, in general, expect consumer representatives to bring. You can now specify the Knowledge and experience requirements.

Example: Person Specification for Consumer Representation on Advisory Body on Diabetes

Consumer representatives are likely to be diabetic themselves and to have strong networks and a track record of working in the community alongside other people with diabetes and their families. They will know the realities of the lives of people with diabetes and they will have the respect of those they work with.

We are looking for a balance of people who can represent Maori, Pakeha, and Pacific women and men with Type A and Type B diabetes. Interest from those on low incomes, those in the 55 + age group, and youth are particularly welcomed.

Other Attributes Required

• A track record of working constructively in groups
• A good understanding of confidentiality
• An ability to appreciate the common good
• Strong communication skills
• Known to exercise good judgement
• Excellent at developing and maintaining appropriate relationships
• Respectful of cultural difference

Step 3 Confirm Your Decision and/or Provide Advice

Identify the value that consumer representation will bring to decision-making.

Weigh the involvement of consumer representatives alongside the involvement of the government sector and the private sector (industry and professionals)

• in terms of role and
• in terms of the value they will bring to advice or decision-making and
• make a decision or recommendation.

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