Independent Reviewer - Historic Abuse Redress at Crown Response Office, Wellington - Wairarapa

Independent contracted engagement | As required | Daily rate plus agreed expenses 

The Crown Response Office is seeking an experienced and highly credible professional to undertake the role of Independent Reviewer, supporting an independent review pathway for survivors of abuse in State care. 

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to an important part of New Zealand's redress system, providing survivors who are dissatisfied with an eligible redress claim outcome with access to a fair, timely and independent review. 

About the role 

The Independent Reviewer will independently review eligible redress claim outcomes and make clear, evidence-based and well-reasoned non-binding recommendations to the relevant redress agency. 

Reviews may consider the process followed by an agency, the decision about whether to make a settlement offer, and the amount of any settlement offer. The Reviewer will consider whether decisions are consistent with applicable redress policies and agency guidance and with principles of procedural fairness and sound administrative decision-making.  

The role is independent of redress agency decision-making. It does not make final agency decisions, overturn decisions, approve settlement payments or direct agencies to provide a particular outcome.  

You may also engage directly with survivors as part of the review process, requiring a respectful, sensitive and trauma-informed approach.  

What you'll bring 

We are looking for someone with substantial experience in one or more of the following areas: 

You will be confident analysing complex and sometimes disputed information, applying policy, guidance and legal or administrative principles, and producing clear, robust and well-reasoned recommendations. 

You'll bring excellent judgement and integrity, an ability to maintain independence and impartiality, and the confidence to work sensitively with people affected by trauma. 

An understanding of historical and institutional abuse claims, including the context and findings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care, would be valuable, as would experience applying trauma-informed practice.