Independent Appointments Commission

Department

Authority

Remuneration

Purpose:

The Independent Appointments Commission (IAC) was established in 2016, by the Legislature of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, as an independent, non-partisan body to provide merit-based recommendations of qualified individuals for appointment to those provincial Agencies, Boards and Commissions (ABCs) listed in the schedule to the Independent Appointments Commission Act.

ABCs provide valued leadership and advice in all areas of the public sector. Individuals recommended for governance and executive roles in the province’s ABC’s make a major contribution to providing governmental services to residents. The services provided by the province’s ABCs are among the most important in Newfoundland and Labrador.

In accordance with the IAC Act, the merit-based process for developing recommendations is administered by the IAC with support and advice being provided to the IAC by the Public Service Commission (PSC). The process is open and accessible and ensures the people recommended for appointment demonstrate the necessary qualifications and are reflective of the population they serve.

Structure:

The IAC consists of up to seven volunteer Commissioners, including the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson. 

The Commissioners were appointed in 2016 on resolution of the House of Assembly for a three year term. On December 7, 2017 the IAC Act was amended to provide for an additional two Commissioners.

With the assistance of the PSC, the IAC initiates searches for board members and executives scheduled to their Act. A panel of three Commissioners review potential appointees for each appointment.  The IAC recommends qualified persons from which a person can be selected to fill each position.

For more information on the various ABCs listed in the schedule to the Independent Appointments Commission Act please visit https://www.iacnl.ca/

Competency Profile:

All members of the IAC shall individually possess:

• a sound understanding of the principles of merit in recruitment and appointment and an appreciation for the considerations of regional, gender, and indigenous representation on ABCs;
• prior Board experience, and an employment history that includes knowledge of board governance;
• broad knowledge of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador and the ability to understand the immediate and long term needs of the province;
• a strong commitment to the well-being of Newfoundland and Labrador;
• demonstration of good judgement in achieving successful outcomes;
• knowledge of the implications of poor decision making;
• personal characteristics which include: integrity, respect, independent thinking, high ethical standards; and    
• the ability to listen and work as a team player.

 The members of the IAC shall collectively possess:

• extensive experience in Public Administration and knowledge of how government works;
• experience working in a globalized world;
• experience in private sector business practices and public sector practices;
• experience in publicly held companies and working relationships with stakeholders;
• international business expertise; and
• academic and employment experience in areas of finance, economics, law, social science, human resources or business;
• experience in advertising practices and principles; and
• experience in working with emerging technologies.

Qualifications:

• Relevant post-secondary education
• Extensive senior level experience in the public or private sector
• Demonstrated impartiality and sound judgement
• A respected leader
• High ethical standards and integrity
• Committed to working in a transparent and accountable manner
• Appreciation of the responsibilities to the public
• Flexible, responsive and willing to consider the opinions of others
• Respect for differences in others
• Capable of seeing a wide perspective on issues
• Excellent listening skills
• Ability to work as a team member
• Patience
• No direct or indirect conflict of interest.

Time Commitments:

IAC Commissioners are expected to attend meetings of the full Commission, at least three times per year. In addition to these meetings Commissioners will regularly participate as a member of a panel of three Commissioners to review applications and recommend persons to be considered for possible appointment as ABC members and, in some cases, to executive positions. Panels are created as required and can be scheduled up to 12 times per year.  Some panels require conducting interviews and reporting to other IAC Commissioners on the results of search activities.

Term:

A commissioner shall be appointed for a term of three years, and may be reappointed for one additional three year term, to be served consecutively.