Public Health Committee - Terms of Reference

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Terms of Reference

The Public Health Advisory Committee (the Committee) is established by the National Advisory Committee on Health and Disability (National Health Committee), under Section 14 of the New Zealand Public Health and Disability Act 2000 (NZPHDA). The Committee is a sub-committee of the National Health Committee.

The role of the Committee is to provide independent advice to the Minister of Health and to the National Health Committee on the following matters:

Public health issues, including factors underlying the health of people and communities;
The promotion of public health;
The monitoring of public health;
Any other matters the National Health Committee specifies by notice to the Committee.

The Committee’s terms of reference are as follows:

Key Tasks
The Committee’s task, in line with the requirements of Section 14 of the NZPHDA, is to provide advice to the Minister of Health and the National Health Committee on public health issues, including factors underlying the health of people and communities. In doing so, the Committee should, having regard to available resources, advise on measures that would deliver the greatest benefit to the health of the population, and groups of the population, with regard to groups at risk of disadvantage.

The Committee is also, in line with the requirements of Section 14 of the NZPHDA, to advise the Minister on the promotion and monitoring of public health, and any other matters the National Health Committee specifies by notice to the Committee.

Working Arrangements
After discussion with the Ministry of Health and the National Health Committee, the Committee will agree a work programme with the Minister of Health. The Committee will be supported by the National Health Committee’s Secretariat.

In developing its advice the Committee should:

Adopt an evidence-based approach
Consult with any members of the public, persons involved in the provision of health services and services for people with disabilities, and other persons that the Committee considers appropriate
Provide the Minister with advance notice of any media statements or reports to be published
Ensure its advice is published and widely available
Consult with District Health Boards on their ability, within the context of their budget constraints, to implement the Committee’s advice to the Minister, and be explicit about any extra costs in its advice
Take account of the annual accountability cycle of the District Health Boards and the need for sufficient lead time for the implementation of new policies.

Performance Measures
The Committee will be effectively meeting their key tasks when they provide relevant and timely advice to the Minister of Health based on research, analysis and consultation with appropriate groups and organisations.

The Committee must achieve its agreed work programme.

The Committee must stay within its allocated budget.

Reporting Requirements

The Committee will report to the Minister of Health through the National Health Committee.

The Committee should:

Report at least once a year to the National Health Committee setting out its advice on public health issues, including factors underlying the health of people and communities; the promotion and monitoring of public health; and any other matters the National Health Committee specifies by notice to the Committee, in line with the requirements of Section 14 of the NZPHDA.
Keep a record of all Committee meetings, which outline the issues discussed and include a clear note of any decisions taken or recommendations made.

Membership of the PHAC
The PHAC membership will consist of up to 6 members plus the Chair of the National Health Committee. The Chair and Deputy Chair of the PHAC will be elected by the members of the PHAC.

Frequency of Meetings
The timing and frequency of meetings will be determined by the tasks the Committee is obliged to fulfil. The Chair will convene meetings. If the Chair is not available to attend a particular meeting, a nominated Deputy Chair will convene that meeting.

Director of Public Health
The Chair of the PHAC may invite the Director of Public Health to attend Committee meetings with observer status.