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Qualities of a Consumer Representative

• Use this Description When
  • Important Notes
• Knowledge and Experience Requirements
• Networking Requirements
• Essential Attributes

Use this Description When

• determining the role of a particular consumer representative
• writing person specifications and
• appointing or making recommendations to Ministers.

Important Notes

1. The statements below build one broad indicative statement in which the individual statements modify each other.
   Example: The statement "Strong communication skills and will be assertive and persistent if it's necessary" is modified by other statements such as "Exercise good judgement", and "Excellent at developing and maintaining appropriate relationships".
2. "the community" in each case means the consumer constituency of the particular board, advisory body, departmental working party, or committee

Knowledge and Experience Requirements

• A track record of achievements for the community (they have taken an initiative(s) and seen it through to the end). The quality of the track record matters more than the length.
• Is respected for her/his integrity in the community s/he has worked in and will represent.
• Knows the realities of ordinary people's lives (especially those who are disadvantaged), knows the issues, knows the community thought processes, how decisions are made, and knows the community's wisdom and its ignorance, its breadth and its contradictions.
• Knows what's practical / possible, and sensible / rational and realistic / probable in the community.

Networking Requirements

• Has broad community networks s/he consults regularly and is accessible to the community. Not someone who works alone.
• Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of confidentiality.

Essential Attributes

• Able to appreciate the common good.
• Stable, and acts consistently.
• Understands group processes and can work constructively within them.
• Addresses issues from the perspective of the consumer.
• Has strong communication skills and will be assertive and persistent if necessary.
• Strategises effectively from a minority stance and finds solutions and common ground with others.
• Exercises good judgement.
• Excellent at developing and maintaining appropriate relationships
• Respects cultural differences

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