The Institute of Directors in New Zealand is seeking to appoint an independent legal professional to serve as an Independent Member of the IoD Council’s Standards Committee. 

The IoD is the professional body for directors in Aotearoa New Zealand, with more than 10,000 members. We are committed to driving excellence in governance, supporting directors to govern well, and upholding high standards of professional conduct across the governance community. 

This is an important independent role supporting the fair, timely and principled consideration of member grievances and complaints. The successful candidate will bring legal expertise, sound judgement, independence, and strong standing in the profession and wider community. 

About the Standards Committee 

The Standards Committee is responsible for considering and determining grievances and complaints involving IoD members in accordance with the IoD’s Rules, Code of Conduct, and the principles of natural justice. 

Under the Constitution, the Council’s Standards Committee (the Committee) must include both representatives of the IoD Council and a suitably qualified independent voice.  

The Standards Committee currently has four Council representatives, and with the recent resignation of the independent member, it is seeking to appoint a new independent from outside of the IoD membership. 

The role 

The Independent Member will contribute to the Committee’s work by bringing independent legal insight, procedural fairness, and experience in decision-making or dispute resolution. 

Responsibilities of the Standards Committee include: 

• considering whether to investigate or deal with a grievance or complaint, or to decline to do so, by reference to the grounds set out in the IoD Rules  
• where the Committee decides to investigate and deal with a grievance or complaint, ensuring the matter is progressed fairly, carefully and in a timely manner  
• determining grievances and complaints in accordance with the IoD Rules  
• supporting processes that reflect natural justice, independence, confidentiality and procedural fairness.  

The Independent Member may also be asked to chair hearings at the request of the Committee Chair. 

Skills and experience sought 

The IoD is seeking a highly respected and experienced legal professional who brings: 

• a tertiary qualification in law  
• significant legal, regulatory, disciplinary, tribunal, investigations, dispute resolution or adjudicative experience  
• experience chairing or participating in hearings, disciplinary processes, member grievances, complaints or disputes  
• strong understanding of natural justice, procedural fairness and sound decision-making  
• sound judgement, independence, discretion and integrity  
• an understanding of corporate governance and the professional standards expected of directors  
• familiarity with member-based or professional organisations, which would be advantageous.  

The successful candidate will have strong mana, credibility and standing, and will be comfortable working with sensitive matters requiring fairness, confidentiality and care. 

Time commitment 

The time commitment is expected to be modest. The Committee meets virtually approximately three to four times per year for one to two hours, and otherwise as required to consider grievances or complaints. 

Additional time may be required for preparation, Committee discussions, and hearings. Members may be required, under exceptional circumstances, to travel for meetings and hearings.  

Remuneration and expenses 

This is a remunerated appointment. Reasonable travel and related expenses incurred in carrying out the role will be reimbursed, provided they are documented and approved in accordance with IoD policy. 

Expressions of interest 

Expressions of interest are invited from suitably qualified independent legal professionals who are not members of the IoD and who can bring independence, experience and sound judgement to this important standards role. 

Applications Close: 5 June 2026 

APPLY NOW

For further information please contact Michelle Pearson, Board Appointments Manager, michelle.pearson@iod.org.nz.