Expressions of Interest – February 2021

Te Kaunihera Manapou Paramedic Council is calling for expressions of interest from paramedics to become involved in the following:

  • Professional Conduct Committees
  • Registrant Quality Committee.

Professional Conduct Committees (PCCs)

PCCs are appointed by the Council to investigate complaints and other conduct matters involving paramedics. The appointments, scope, processes and investigation by a PCC is covered in sections 71-83 of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003. The principal purpose of this Act is to protect the health and safety of members of the public by providing for mechanisms to ensure that health practitioners are competent and fit to practise their professions.

A PCC is made up of three people:

  • Two Paramedics and
  • One lay person.

A PCC appointed by Council will appoint its own legal advisor and an investigator.  The work of a PCC generally involves:

  • the gathering of investigation information
  • a scheduled formal meeting with the paramedic being investigated and any other parties, if required
  • input into a decision on what (if any) action should be taken (including the possibility of laying a charge with the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal) and
  • input into the drafting of a report setting out the PCC’s investigation, findings and decision.

The time commitment for each investigation varies depending on the complexity of the matter being investigated.

The Council needs to establish a panel of paramedics who are available for appointments to PCCs.  PCC members for each investigation will be selected according to the skill set and background knowledge required, and with regard to any conflicts.

Education will be provided for all members appointed to the panel.

Registrant Quality Committee (RQC)

This committee is appointed by the Council to make decisions on registration issues. This includes applications referred by the Registrar or Director Registrant Quality and requests for review of a decision. The Committee will also advise the Council on education policy.

Six paramedics are being sought for this role.

Criteria for appointment to the PCC panel or to the RQC

  • A minimum of five years’ paramedic practice in New Zealand
  • Current annual practising certificate with no conditions or requirements (applications are welcome now, but appointment will not be confirmed until/unless a practising certificate has been issued)
  • Considered to be of good standing in the paramedic profession
  • An understanding of the competencies for entry onto the register of paramedics, the code of conduct and the Council’s statement on cultural safety
  • Broad understanding of paramedic practice.

In addition, PCC applicants should:

  • Be able to follow processes
  • Be objective
  • Have skills in critically appraising complex information
  • Have high sensitivity to the confidentiality of the information
  • Have good decision-making skills, and
  • Be able to manage a meeting process and to ask well considered questions.

RQC applicants should:

  • Have experience in Paramedic education or
  • Have senior experience in service delivery and training and development of paramedics.

These are key roles that support the Council in its work in protecting the health and safety of the public. All are paid positions.

Application Process

Please email your expression of interest to [email protected], with the title “Application – [committee name].”  You are welcome to apply for both committees.  Your applications should include:

  • A CV of no more than two pages setting out your skills and experience relevant to the role
  • A one page cover letter.

Applications close at noon on 5 March 2021 and will be held on file unless you request otherwise.

After applications have closed, Council staff will interview shortlisted candidates and provide Council with recommendations for appointments at the next Council meeting on 20 April 2021. All applicants will be advised of the outcome after the Council meeting.

The best and safest care is at the heart of our work, with our aim to support paramedics to provide the highest standard of care to the public of Aotearoa New Zealand. We are committed to Te Tiriti ō Waitangi, diversity and inclusion.

We not only encourage, but are actively seeking, engagement and applications from people from diverse backgrounds. We will consider your employment and academic background in these processes, but more importantly your ability to make fair and proportionate decisions. We respect the mana of people of all backgrounds and believe those world views are an integral part of being an effective regulator.

Ngā mihi a koutou

Carlton Irving - Chair
Kaunihera Manapou Paramedic Council

Level 5, 22 Willeston Street, Wellington, 6011
PO Box 9644, Marion Square, Wellington, 6141
www.paramediccouncil.org.nz