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NZFSA Academy Terms of Reference

12 October 2009

Purpose

To provide expert technical advice that contributes to the standard-setting and other regulatory activities of the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA)

Rationale

From time to time, NZFSA needs the advice of experts in areas where it either has limited in-house expertise available or peer review of the advice of its expert staff would be valuable. Also from time to time, NZFSA needs to establish expert groups or seek specific assistance in relation to particular issues. In these circumstances, having a group of already identified experts, available through an 'Academy', greatly assists in providing timely and effective advice.

Role of the Academy

• To provide advice to NZFSA on issues that may be raised with Academy members.

• To alert NZFSA to emerging issues that may be of interest to NZFSA scientists in their fields of expertise.

• To complement NZFSA science statements, communications and policy positions as appropriate.

The contribution is not intended to replace work that would constitute a contractual arrangement in other circumstances.

Composition and Selection

The Academy comprises of experts in science and other relevant disciplines that complement the science strategy and other areas of NZFSA work.

NZFSA will identify the selection of fields to be covered having regard to the experts already in NZFSA. As these fields are identified, the Terms of Reference will be updated to reflect the changes. Areas identified as at 12 October 2009 are:

public health	food technology
food allergy	food science
human nutrition	microbiology
medical science	veterinary science
food irradiation	food safety
biotechnology	primary production
dietary fibre	food processing
toxicology	epidemiology
social science	bio-technology

Selection criteria for experts are to include, in relation to their field:

• acknowledged leaders by peers

• nationally and/or internationally recognised

• active in area of specialisation

• integrity and impartiality

• preparedness to make views/positions public

• willingness to assist.

Appointment, Terms and Fees

• Academy members are selected and appointed by the Executive Director, NZFSA in writing.

• The term of appointment is for 2 years.

• A nominal amount per annum is paid to each Academy member (funded from the Science budget).

• Any travel and other direct costs associated with the Academy to be funded by NZFSA.

• Where specific and detailed involvement of experts is required, this will be arranged and contracted separately.

Conflict of Interest

On appointment members will need to declare conflicts of interest in relation to any right, property, interest or obligation whether directly or indirectly that would conflict with the terms of reference. Thereafter if a member became aware that he or she had a conflict of interest, that conflict of interest would need to be declared to NZFSA at the time.

Operation of the Academy

• On appointment, Academy members are provided with a package of background material on the NZFSA.

• Further material will be provided to members as necessary throughout the term of their appointment. This will include material as appropriate to maintain currency of information about developments within NZFSA relevant to their field of interest.

• Members are brought together on an annual basis to provide an opportunity to discuss current areas of interest with NZFSA staff. Members may meet on an ad hoc/needs basis at other times.

• Contact with Academy members is through an Academy Manager located in the NZFSA Science Group or through a specified Sponsor in order to ensure members are not overused/under used by NZFSA.