RULES OF THE NEW ZEALAND BOARD FOR
ENGINEERING DIPLOMAS INCORPORATED
(NZBED)
THE SOCIETY
1.
NAME
1.1
The name of the Society is The New Zealand Board for Engineering Diplomas
Incorporated (“NZBED”).
1.2
NZBED is constituted by resolution dated 14 November 2011.
2.
REGISTERED OFFICE
2.1
The Registered Office of the Board is 158 The Terrace, Wellington 6144, New Zealand.
3.
PURPOSES OF THE SOCIETY
3.1
The purposes of the Society are to:
3.1.1
Be responsible for the strategic oversight of the unified diploma system for the New
Zealand Diploma in Engineering (NZDE) and the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering
Practice (NZDEP).
3.1.2
To govern and guide the unified diploma system with collaboration from
representatives from industry training organisations (ITOs), tertiary providers 1 and
industry, to ensure engineering education for technicians at Level 6 meets the needs
of industry, students and other tertiary providers offering higher level engineering
qualifications and meets the ongoing approval and accreditation requirements of the
New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).
3.1.3
Ensure that the NZDE conforms to the requirements established by the Institution of
Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ) to provide recognition of the qualification
under the Dublin Accord2 and the NZDEP conforms to the IPENZ competence standard
for independent practice as an engineering technician.
3.2
Do anything necessary or helpful to the above purposes.
3.3
Aspire to the goals and key performance indicators for NZBED as set down in schedule
one of these Rules.
3.4
The NZBED does not operate for the purposes of pecuniary gain.
1
Tertiary providers may be universities, Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs) and/or
private training establishments (PTEs).
2 All technician education programmes recognised by any of the signatories in the Dublin Accord are
recognised as being substantially equivalent by all other signatories. Full signatories to the
agreement are engineering bodies in Canada, South Africa, United Kingdom and Ireland. New
Zealand and the United States are provisional signatories.
NZBED RULES November 2011
Page 1 of 24
NZBED GOVERNANCE
4.
GOVERNANCE BOARD
4.1
The NZBED shall have a Governance Board (“the Board”), comprising the following
persons:
4.1.1
Three representatives from Council for Engineering Technicians and Technologists
Education New Zealand (CETTENZ).
4.1.2
Three representatives from engineering-related Industry Training Organisations (ITOs)
4.1.3
Three Industry representatives.
4.1.4
The Chief Executive of IPENZ as an ex-officio member with no voting rights.
4.1.5
Two co-opted quality assurance representatives (one from providers and one from the
ITOs), with no voting rights but are recognised as experts on quality assurance issues
and have delegated authority from the Society to provide quality assurance from their
networks on an „as required‟ basis to the Management Committees and Delivery SubCommittees.
4.2
The Board shall use the services of a Secretariat to service the Board.
4.3
The NZBED shall establish Management Committee and Delivery Subcommittees in
the engineering disciplines of:
(i)
Electrical
(ii)
Civil
(iii)
Mechanical
4.4
Membership, roles, responsibilities, authorities, lines of reporting and accountability
for the Management Committees and Delivery Subcommittees are set out in
schedules two and three to these Rules.
5.
APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR
5.1
Board members shall decide by majority vote, one member from industry as Chair –
appointed for a two to three year term which will be renewable.
6.
NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF BOARD MEMBERS
6.1
Nominations for members of the Board shall be called for at least 28 days before the
Annual General Meeting. Each candidate shall be proposed and seconded in writing
by Members and the completed nomination delivered to the Secretariat. Nominations
must nominate the sector which they seek to represent on the Board. Nominations
shall close at 5. 00 pm on the fifth day before the Annual General Meeting All retiring
members of the Committee shall be eligible for re-election provided they have not
served the maximum period of time six years or three consecutive terms
6.2
Board members shall be elected at the Annual General meeting for a term of two
years.
6.3
If the position of any Board member becomes vacant between Annual General
Meetings, the Board may appoint a replacement Board Member after consultation
with the membership group to fill that vacancy until the next Annual General Meeting.
NZBED RULES November 2011
Page 2 of 24
7.
ROLE OF THE BOARD
7.1
Subject to the Rules of the NZBED (“the Rules”), the role of the Board is to:
7.1.1
Administer, manage and control the NZBED.
7.1.2
Carry out the purposes of the NZBED, and Use Money or Other Assets to do that.
7.1.3
Manage the NZBED‟s financial affairs, including approving the annual financial
statements for presentation to Members at the Annual General Meetings.
7.1.4
Set accounting policies in line with generally accepted accounting practice.
7.1.5
Delegate responsibility and co-opt members where necessary to establish the
Management Committees and Delivery Subcommittees for each of the three
engineering disciplines.
7.1.6
Approving any additions and/or amendments to policies and procedures, and any
changes to the governance and management structures.
7.1.7
Receive reports, deliberate and approve the activities of the Management Committees
and Delivery Sub-committees.
7.1.8
Decide how a person becomes a Member, and how a person stops being a Member.
7.1.9
Decide the times and dates for Meetings.
7.1.10
Decide the procedures for dealing with complaints.
7.1.11
Set Membership fees including any subscriptions and levies.
7.1.12
Undertake specific tasks as set out in schedule one to these Rules, and oversee the
management of the unified diploma as set out in schedule four.
7.2
The Board has all the powers of the NZBED, unless the Board‟s powers are limited by
these Rules, or by a majority decision of the Board.
7.3
All decisions of the Board shall be by majority vote. In the event of an equal vote the
Chair shall have a casting vote.
7.4
Decisions of the Board bind the NZBED, unless the Board‟s power is limited by these
Rules.
8.
ROLES OF BOARD MEMBERS
8.1
The Chair is responsible for:
8.1.1
Ensuring that the Rules are followed
8.1.2
Convening meetings and establishing whether or not a quorum is in attendance.
8.1.3
Chairing meetings, deciding who may speak when
8.1.4
Ensuring the accuracy of minutes prior to circulation
8.1.5
Overseeing the operation of the Board
8.1.6
Providing a report on the operations of the Board at each Annual General Meeting.
NZBED RULES November 2011
Page 3 of 24
8.2
The Board recognises that a Secretariat is contracted to provide Secretariat services
to enable the ITO, provider and industry representatives in the Board, Management
Committees and Delivery Sub-Committees to operate effectively and efficiently.
8.3
The role of the Secretariat is to:
8.3.1
Provide support for the Board, Management Committees and Delivery Sub-Committees
by co-ordinating and recording meetings, receiving and circulating reports
8.3.2
Manage the finances for the Governance and Management Committees to achieve
acceptable financial performance
8.3.3
Prepare reports to enable the Board to:
(i)
Report on the Quality Management System of the NZDE and NZDEP to the
New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) as per the NZQA schedule
(ii)
Notify NZQA of any significant changes to the NZDE and NZDEP
(iii)
Report to other relevant national bodies over national issues relating to
these courses (e.g. course approval, accreditation, moderation,
assessment, professional registration, etc)
(iv)
Provide the point of reference for TEOs offering the diploma programmes.
8.3.4
Record the minutes of the meetings.
8.3.5
Keep a register of Members.
8.3.6
Hold the NZBED records, documents, and books.
8.3.7
Receive and reply to correspondence as required by the Board, Management
Committee and Delivery Sub-committees.
8.3.8
Prepare and circulate reports from the Board to the Management Committees and
Delivery Sub-Committees no later than one month after the Board has met .
8.3.9
Be responsible for the preparation, audit and review of the annual financial
statements to be presented to the Annual General Meeting.
8.3.10
Forward the annual financial statements for the Society to the Registrar of
Incorporated Societies upon their approval by the Members at the Annual General
Meeting.
8.3.11
Advising the Registrar of Incorporated Societies of any Rule changes.
9.
BOARD MEETINGS
9.1
Board meetings may be held via video or telephone conference, or other formats as
the Board may decide.
9.2
No Board Meeting may be held unless a quorum is in attendance.
9.3
The Chair shall chair the Board Meetings, or if the Chair is absent, the Chair‟s
nominated substitute.
9.4
Decisions of the Board shall be by majority vote.
9.5
The Chair shall have a casting vote.
NZBED RULES November 2011
Page 4 of 24
9.6
Only Board Members present at a Board Meeting may vote at the Board Meeting.
9.7
Subject to these Rules, the Board may regulate its own practice.
10.
CESSATION OF BOARD MEMBERSHIP
10.1
Persons cease to be Board members when:
10.1.1
They resign by giving written notice to the Board
10.1.2
They are removed by majority vote at the Board at a Board meeting.
10.1.3
Their term expires.
10.1.4
They are no longer in the employ or directly associated with the body which they were
appointed to represent.
10.2
If any Board Member is absent from three consecutive meetings without leave of
absence the Chair may declare that person‟s position to be vacant.
10.3
If a person ceases to be a Board Member, that person must within one month give to
the Board all Board documents and property.
NZBED MEMBERSHIP
11.
TYPES OF MEMBERS
11.1
Membership shall comprise:
11.1.1
Tertiary providers which may be Universities, Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics
(ITPs) and/or private training establishments (PTEs) who provide delivery of NZDE
11.1.2
Engineering related Industry Training Organizations (ITOs) who provide delivery of
NZDEP.
11.1.3
Industry members who support training and employment of NZDE and NZDEP qualified
persons
11.1.4
Other individuals or organisations with an interest or involvement in the objectives of
the Board.
11.2
Members have the rights and responsibilities as set out in these Rules.
12.
ADMISSION OF MEMBERS
12.1
To become an NZBED Member, a person, including any corporate body, (“the
Applicant”) must:
12.1.1
All applications for membership of the NZBED shall be on an appropriate form. Each
prospective member shall on request supply details of professional or industry
involvement, and field of interest in the objectives of the NZBED and any conflicts of
interest. For admission, a candidate organisation must produce evidence of
acceptable qualifications or experience and each case shall be treated on its merits.
12.1.2
Admission to membership of the NZBED shall be subject to the approval of the Board.
NZBED RULES November 2011
Page 5 of 24
13.
THE REGISTER OF MEMB ERS
13.1
The Secretariat shall keep a register of Members (“the Register”), which shall contain
the names, the postal and email addresses and the telephone numbers of a ll
members, and the dates at which they became Members.
13.2
If a Member‟s contact details change, that Member shall give the new postal or email
address or telephone number to the Secretariat.
13.3
Each Member shall provide such other details as the Board requires.
14.
CESSATION OF MEMBERSHIP
14.1
Each member may, by notice in writing to the Board, resign membership after payment
of all sums due in respect of subscriptions or otherwise.
14.2
Each organisation which has ceased to be a member may apply for re-admission and
the Board may approve such re-admission under such conditions as it may see fit to
prescribe.
14.3
In the case of misconduct, the Board may terminate a membership provided the
member has been advised in writing of the decision to terminate membership and
advised and provided with an opportunity to respond and be heard by the Board.
15.
OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBE RS
15.1
All Members shall promote the purposes of the NZBED and shall do nothing to bring
NZBED into disrepute.
FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
16.
USE OF MONEY AND OTHER ASSETS
16.1
The Board may only use money and other assets if:
16.1.1
It is for a purpose of the NZBED,
16.1.2
It is not for the sole personal or individual benefit of any Member; and
16.1.3
That use has been approved by the Board by majority vote.
17.
JOINING FEES, SUBSCR IPTIONS AND LEVIES
17.1
The NZBED shall, annually, charge each Tertiary provider and each ITO, fees, as
determined by the Board from time to time, based on their involvement in delivering
NZDE and NZDEP qualifications and the number of trainees enrolled in training.
17.2
Income is generated from the tertiary providers and ITOs involved in the delivery of the
NZDE and NZDEP. Each tertiary provider and ITO committed to delivering the NZDE
and NZDEP pays an annual flat fee plus a fee per enrolment (equivalent full-time
student for the NZDE and Standard Training Measure for the NZDEP) which are
determined by the Board.
17.3
The NZBED shall operate its affairs to be financially positive at all times. Authority to
borrow funds shall be subject to a vote of members, based on a business case
presented by the Board, at an Annual or Special General Meeting.
NZBED RULES November 2011
Page 6 of 24
18.
ADDITIONAL POWERS / FINANCIALS
18.1
The NZBED will not employ any staff. The NZBED through the Secretariat will contract
personnel and organisations to provide services described in the Rules and its
schedules or as required by the Board.
18.2
The Secretariat, appointed by the Board, has the systems and resources to manage
the financial operations.
18.3
The financial year is 1 October to 30 September. The Board sets the budget annually
and monitors financial performance when it meets twice yearly.
18.4
Surplus funds will be invested by the Secretariat on instruction from the Board.
18.5
Examples of expenses are honoria for the Chairs of the Board, Management
Committees and Delivery Sub-Committees; payments for contractors who develop the
curriculum, preparation of national examinations, assessment of students on-job and
off-job, moderation of courses; meeting expenses; travel expenses of Board and
Management Committee members attending meetings; and an annual fee to the
Secretariat for its services.
19.
ASSURANCE ON THE FIN ANCIAL STATEMENTS
19.1
An Auditor will be appointed at the Annual General Meeting to audit the annual
financial statements of the NZBED. The Auditor shall report on whether the financial
statements are prepared in all material respects in accordance with the NZBED‟s
accounting policies. The Auditor must be a suitably qualified person, and must not be
a member of the Board, or an employee of the Board. If the NZBED appoints an
Auditor who is unable to act for some reason, the Board shall appoint another Auditor
as a replacement.
19.2
The Secretariat is responsible to provide the auditor with:
19.1.1
Access to all information which the Committee is aware that is relevant to the
preparation of the financial statements.
19.1.2
Additional information that the auditor may request form the Committee / Secretariat
for the purpose of the audit
19.1.3
Reasonable access to persons within the Board from whom the auditor determines it
necessary to obtain evidence.
CONDUCT OF MEETINGS
20.
GENERAL MEETINGS
20.1
The Board will meet as often as required but normally at least two meetings a year in a
location determined by Board Members. If the Chair is going to be absent from a
scheduled meeting, she/he will nominate a substitute.
20.2
A quorum for a meeting will comprise a minimum of four representatives – at least
one each from CETTENZ, the ITOs, industry and quality assurance.
20.3
The agenda, minutes and documents for the meetings will be managed by the
Secretariat. Participants will receive the papers at least one week prior to each
meeting. The Chair will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy of minutes prior to
circulation.
NZBED RULES November 2011
Page 7 of 24
21.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
21.1
An Annual General Meeting of the NZBED shall be held once in each calendar year
preferably during the month of March at such time and place as may be decided by
the Board. The Annual General Meeting will follow standard meeting conventions.
21.2
Notice of each Annual General Meeting of the NZBED shall be circulated to each
member not less than 14 days before such meeting. There shall be no quorum for the
Annual General Meeting.
21.3
The business of the Annual General Meeting of the NZBED shall be to receive and
consider the Annual Report and the Annual Statement of Accounts, to appoint auditors
for the forthcoming year and to receive nominations and confirm the Board.
21.4
The meeting shall be chaired by the current Chair or the current Chair‟s appointee.
22.
SPECIAL GENERAL MEET ING
22.1
A Special General Meeting of the NZBED may be called by the NZBED if requisitioned
by not less than ten members.
22.2
Notice of each Special General Meeting and of the nature of the business to be
transacted thereat shall be circulated to each member not less than 14 days before
such meeting. The quorum for each Special General Meeting shall be ten members
including at least one each from CETTENZ, the ITOs, Industry and Quality Assurance.
22.3
The meeting shall be chaired by the current Chair or the current Chair‟s appointee.
23.
VOTING AT MEETINGS
23.1
Voters at Annual General Meetings or Special General Meetings shall be by members
only and may be given in person or given by proxy. Written notice of an appointed
proxy shall be prepared and signed by the appointee. Proxies may be assigned only to
members who are qualified to vote. The proxy shall be exercised only for business or
matters of which due notice has been given and shall be received by the Secretariat
prior to the commencement of the meeting.
23.2
Voting on any motion before such meeting shall be by the voices, except that any such
member may require a show of hands and any ten percent of such members present
may require a secret ballot. A majority of the members voting shall decide any
questions unless the Constitution otherwise provide.
GENERAL ITEMS
24.
COMMON SEAL
24.1
The NZBED shall have a common seal, which shall be kept in the custody and control
of the Secretariat. The Board shall execute any document so required by the Act or
pursuant to a resolution of the Board passed for that purpose by fixing the common
seal in the presence of two members of the Board.
25.
ALTERING THE RULES
25.1
Alteration to the Rules of the NZBED may be recommended by a majority vote of an
Annual General Meeting, or a Special General Meeting. The notice of motion for
NZBED RULES November 2011
Page 8 of 24
alteration of the Rules shall be given to the Secretariat not less than one month prior
to the meeting.
25.2
No alteration, addition, decision or substitution which would alter the charitable nature
of the NZBED shall be permitted.
25.3
When a Rule change is approved (as described in 25.1) no Rule change shall take
effect until the Secretariat has filed the changes with the Register of Incorporated
Societies.
26.
DISSOLUTION
26.1
The dissolution or liquidation of the NZBED can be accomplished only by a resolution
passed by at least two thirds majority of all members of the NZBED.
26.2
On winding up, the surplus funds of the NZBED shall be distributed by the Board to the
Institution of Professional Engineers of New Zealand Inc for use for purpose of
education of engineers, after all liabilities, debts etc have been met.
NZBED RULES November 2011
Page 9 of 24
SCHEDULES
SCHEDULE ONE - SCOPE OF ACTIVITIES OF GOVERNANCE BOARD
GOALS, PERFORMANCE INDICATORS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE BOARD
The goals and performance indicators for the education and training activities related to the
NZDE and NZDEP are listed below.
Goal 1

The NZDE provides the foundation knowledge and skills for technician engineers and is
designed to ensure consistency between the disciplines and fit with industry need.
Goal 2

The NZDEP advances the knowledge and skills of the NZDE and requires their application
during work-based experience. The NZDEP is designed to ensure consistency between the
disciplines and fit with industry need.
Performance Indicators for Goals 1 and 2

NZQA audits of the NZDE and NZDEP programmes confirm that they continue to provide the
appropriate level of knowledge and skills for technician engineers consistently between the
disciplines.

Annual feedback from industry confirms that the NZDE and NZDEP fit with industry need.
Goal 3

The NZDE conforms to the requirements established by IPENZ to provide recognition of the
qualification under the Dublin Accord and the NZDEP conforms to the IPENZ competence
standard for independent practice as an engineering technician.
Performance Indicator for Goal 3

The NZDE is provisionally accredited as meeting the Dublin Accord standard by the
Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ) in 2010. Full accreditation is
achieved in 2013 after the first graduates have completed the NZDE.

NZDEP Graduates are considered to have met the IPENZ competence st andard for
independent practice as an engineering technician and are accepted for Associate
Membership (AIPENZ) and Certified Engineering Technician (CertETn) registration without
further assessment.
Goal 4

The Board monitors the ongoing development of the NZDE and NZDEP to ensure their
currency and fit with industry need.
Performance Indicator for Goal 4

The Board receives regular reports from the Management Committees, feedback from
industry and has knowledge of research in engineering education for t echnicians when it
approves changes to the NZDE and NZDEP.
Goal 5

Flexible delivery of the NZDE and NZDEP occurs to meet the needs of students and industry.
NZBED RULES November 2011
Page 10 of 24
Performance Indicator for Goal 5

The Management Committees report annually to the Board that the delivery methods of fulltime (for the NZDE only), part-time, block courses and distance meet the needs of students
and industry.
Goal 6

Quality assurance of the NZDE and NZDEP occurs nationally to ensure consistency of
outcomes.
Performance Indicator for Goal 6

The Management Committees report annually to the Board on the quality assurance
activities and the achievement of consistent outcomes for the NZDE and NZDEP.
Goal 7

Relationships with NZQA, the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), IPENZ and stakeholders
in technician education are maintained.
Performance Indicator for Goal 7

The Board informs the Management Committees, NZQA, the TEC, IPENZ and other
stakeholders in technician education for engineers at least annually of national issues and
any significant changes relating to the NZDE and NZDEP (e.g. course approval, accreditation,
moderation, assessment, professional registration).
Goal 8

Research and development occurs in the teaching and learning of technician education for
engineers.
Performance Indicator for Goal 8

The Board promotes and reports to stakeholders at least annually on research and
development in the teaching and learning of technician education for engineers.
A C TIVITIES OF THE GOVERNANCE BOARD
a.
Take a strategic overview of the diplomas to ensure consistency between the disciplines and
fit with industry need
b.
Approve the Constitution of the Board
c.
Manage relationships with NZQA, the TEC and any other accrediting body
d.
Oversee the ongoing development of the diplomas
e.
Approve major changes to the diplomas including core and common papers
f.
Ensure the NZDE conforms to the requirements established by IPENZ to provide recognition
of the qualification under the Dublin Accord and the NZDEP conforms to the IPENZ
competence standard for independent practice as an engineering technician
g.
Develop a national external moderation system that ensures valid and consistent
assessment outcomes are achieved across the range of provision of each qualification
h.
Ensure that mechanisms are established to deal with cases of substandard assessment at
provider level
NZBED RULES November 2011
Page 11 of 24
i.
Establish any qualification-specific requirements for the accreditation of providers of each
qualification and mechanisms for ensuring that these requirements continue to be met by
individual providers
j.
Appoint the membership of the Management Committees and Delivery Sub-Committees
following nominations from relevant groups
k.
Monitor activities by receiving regular reports from the Management Committees
l.
Set the budget and means for collecting contributions to finance the operations
m. Appoint and monitor the performance of the Secretariat
n.
Inform the appropriate Government agencies of issues relating to the field of engineering
education for technicians
o.
Co-ordinate information relating to the field of engineering education for technicians
p.
Promote the teaching, learning, research and development in the field of engineering
education for technicians
q.
Ensure cooperation and effective communication between industry, ITOs and providers is
achieved
r.
Responsible for establishing any qualification-specific requirements for the accreditation of
providers of each qualification and for establishing mechanisms for ensuring that these
requirements continue to be met by individual providers.
NZBED RULES November 2011
Page 12 of 24
SCHEDULE TWO -TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE MANAGEMENT SUB-COMMITTEES
PURPOSE
The discipline-specific Management Committees for the civil, electrical and mechanical
disciplines are responsible for the overall management of the unified diploma system for the New
Zealand Diploma in Engineering (NZDE) and the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering Practice
(NZDEP). The Management Committees will “act as one” for common issues and act separately
for discipline-specific issues.
MEMBERS OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES
The membership of each discipline-specific Management Committee consists of a minimum of
two providers nominated by CETTENZ, two representatives from discipline-related industry
training organisations (ITOs), two industry representatives, one representative from NZC ED and
quality assurance representation when input is required. The Chair of each Delivery Sub Committees is a member of the appropriate discipline-specific Management Committee. The
maximum number of members on each Management Group is eight. Members will be appointed
by the Board following nominations from the relevant groups. The term of membership will be
two to three years taking into account the need for rotation to ensure continuity of knowledge
and experience is maintained. Terms will be renewable.
AUTHORITY
The Management Committees are authorised by the Board and their respective
institutions/organisations to manage the unified diploma system for the New Zealand Diploma in
Engineering (NZDE) and the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering Practice (NZDEP).
DUTIES
The joint duties of the discipline-specific Management Committees are to:

act in the best interests of engineering technician education and training

act as one group to manage common issues and common core papers in the diplomas

recommend major changes in the diplomas to the Board

ensure consistent delivery across the disciplines and compliance with the national
framework

report to the Board as required

co-ordinate national marketing and consistent messages about the diplomas.
The duties of each Management Committee are to:

receive regular reports from the relevant Delivery Sub-Committee on moderation, the
graduate profile, numbers in the qualifications, pass rates, retention rates

manage discipline-specific papers

provide advice on industry-specific content

ensure delivery and content meets current industry practice

ensure each Delivery Sub-Committee complies with the Quality Management System.
NZBED RULES November 2011
Page 13 of 24
MEETINGS
The Management Committees will meet as often as required in a year - normally at least one
combined meeting, and at least two meetings for each discipline-specific Management
Committee. The meetings will be in a location determined by the members. The Committees will
nominate one member as Chair. If the Chair is going to be absent from a scheduled meeting,
he/she will nominate a substitute. The Chair will be appointed for a two to three year term which
will be renewable.
A quorum for a combined meeting of the Management Committees will comprise the Chairs from
each discipline-specific Management Committee and one representative from quality assurance.
Each discipline-specific Management Committee will meet twice a year or as required in a
location determined by the members. Each Committee will nominate one member from that
Committee as Chair. If the Chair is going to be absent from a scheduled meeting, he/she will
nominate a substitute.
A quorum for a meeting of each discipline-specific Management Committee will comprise one
representative each from CETTENZ, the ITOs, universities and industry. Representation from
quality assurance will occur if required.
The agenda, minutes and documents for all meetings will be managed by the Secretariat.
Participants will receive the papers at least one week prior to each meeting.
REPORTING
The Secretariat will prepare reports from the Management Committees and circulate them to the
Board and Delivery Sub-Committees at least one week prior to their respective meetings. The
Chair will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy of minutes prior to circulation.
REVIEW
These Terms of Reference will be reviewed during the second year of operation of the
Management Committees.
______________________________________
NZBED RULES November 2011
Page 14 of 24
SCHEDULE THREE - TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE DELIVERY SUB-COMMITTEES
PURPOSE
The Delivery Sub-Committees for the civil, electrical and mechanical disciplines are responsible
for the overall coordination of the delivery, assessment and moderation of the New Zealand
Diploma in Engineering (NZDE) and the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering Practice (NZDEP).
MEMBERS OF THE DELIVERY SUB-COMMITTEES
The membership of each Delivery Sub-Committee consists of one representative from each of the
providers, one representative from discipline-related industry training organisations (ITOs) and
quality assurance representation as required. Members will be appointed by the Board following
nominations from the relevant groups. The term of membership will be two to three years taking
into account the need for rotation to ensure continuity of knowledge and experience is
maintained. Terms will be renewable.
AUTHORITY
Each Delivery Sub-Committee is authorised by the discipline-specific Management Committee,
the Board and the representatives‟ respective institutions/organisations to co -ordinate the
delivery, assessment and moderation of the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (NZDE) and the
New Zealand Diploma in Engineering Practice (NZDEP).
DUTIES
The duties of each Delivery Sub-Committee are to:

co-ordinate the consistent delivery of the major and specialisations

co-ordinate the moderation process and assessment/examination processes

co-ordinate the development of resources for the use of academic staff

receive reports from the providers for the NZDE and ITOs for the NZDEP

report on moderation, the graduate profile, numbers in the diplomas, pass rates, retention
rates etc to the Management Committee of the discipline

act as the primary channel of communication between individual providers and the
Management Committees

implement curriculum and assessment changes as requested by the Management
Committees

collate feedback from individual provider Programme Advisory Committees and report to the
Management Committees as appropriate.
MEETINGS
Each Delivery Sub-Committee will meet as often as required but normally at least twice a year or
as required in a location determined by the members. Each Sub-Committee will nominate one
member to be Chair. If the Chair is going to be absent from a scheduled meeting, he/she will
nominate a substitute. The Chair will be appointed for a two to three year term which will be
renewable.
NZBED RULES November 2011
Page 15 of 24
A quorum for a meeting of each Delivery Sub-Committee will comprise one representative from
the providers and one representative from the ITOs. Representation from quality assurance will
occur if required.
The agenda, minutes and documents for the meetings will be managed by the Secretariat.
Participants will receive the papers at least one week prior to each meeting.
REPORTING
The Secretariat will prepare reports from the Delivery Sub-Committees and circulate them to the
Board and Management Committees at least than one week prior to their respective meetings.
The Chair will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy of minutes prior to circulation.
REVIEW
These Terms of Reference will be reviewed during the second year of operation of the Delivery
Sub-Committees.
NZBED RULES November 2011
Page 16 of 24
SCHEDULE FOUR -MANAGEMENT OF THE UNIFIED DIPLOMA
K EY S TAKEHOLDERS
1.
2.
The key stakeholders and engineering networks contributing to the NZDE and NZDEP are
the:
a.
New Zealand Council of Engineering Deans (NZCED). The members are from
tertiary providers that offer four-year Bachelor of Engineering degrees
b.
Council for Engineering Technicians and Technologists Education New Zealand
(CETTENZ). The members are from tertiary providers that offer two-year Diplomas in
Engineering and three-year Bachelor of Engineering Technology degrees
c.
engineering-related ITOs
d.
industry
e.
tertiary providers involved in or with an interest in engineering education
f.
the Tertiary Education Commission.
NZQA and IPENZ are the accrediting bodies for the NZDE and NZDEP.
M ANAGEMENT IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE UNIFIED DIPLOMA SYSTEM
3.
Each discipline has a Management Committee that manages discipline-specific issues for
the NZDE and NZDEP. The Management Committees “act as one” in the interests of the
NZDE and NZDEP and report “as one” to the Board.
4.
The Delivery Sub-Committees provide the overall coordination of the delivery, assessment
and moderation of the NZDE and NZDEP.
5.
The Board appoints and monitors the performance of a Secretariat to service the
administrative needs of the Board, Management Committee and Delivery Sub-Committees
as required and manage the finances for the unified diploma system.
M AINTAINING THE CORPORATE STATUS
6.
The corporate status of the Board is maintained by:
a.
the members of the Board abiding by the Constitution and ensuring that the
Management Committees and Delivery Sub-Committees abide by their Terms of
Reference
b.
tertiary providers and ITOs involved in the delivery of the NZDE and NZDEP
committing in writing to the governance and management of the unified diploma
system
c.
the Board ensuring the financial viability of the governance and management
structure in the unified diploma system
d.
the Board appointing an organisation as the Secretariat which has the systems and
resources to manage the financial operations; to prepare the financial statements
for audit and liaise with the appointed auditors; and to service the administrative
needs of the Board, Management Committees and Delivery Sub-Committees as
required
e.
the Board reviewing all sections of the Constitution every five years at the time of
the qualification review (Section 4.4.1) or on an as required basis. The review is to
ensure currency of the Constitution with the unified diploma system
NZBED RULES November 2011
Page 17 of 24
f.
coherent marketing of the NZDE and NZDEP occurring nationally through the use of
consistent marketing messages.
P OLICIES AND PROCEDURES IN THE QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
7.
This document outlines the policies and procedures, governance and management
structures which will enable the goals identified to be achieved.
P RINCIPLES OF THE TREATY OF WAITANGI
8.
The Board acknowledges its commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi as a course owner. It is
expected that the Management Committees will be responsible for ensuring there is
consultation with relevant Treaty partners within both the ITO and provider sectors during the
accreditation of providers and the development and delivery of the qualifications.
M ANAGEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT CHANGES
9.
The Board will have responsibility for final approval of significant changes to the
qualifications. Submissions for changes will be made by the Management Committees
providing the Board with the following:
a.
background and rationale for proposed changes
b.
consultation with stakeholders in support of the proposed changes
c.
details of the proposed changes and any implications for learners including
transition plans.
10. The Board will consider the submissions, give final approval and liaise with the NZQA to
obtain NZQA approval for the changes.
C OURSE APPROVAL AND ACCREDITATION REQUIREMENTS
11. The Board is responsible for ensuring that Course Approval and Accreditation Requirements
are met by each TEO delivering the NZDE.
D EVELOPMENT AND REVIEW OF QUALIFICATIONS
12. The development and review of the national engineering qualifications in the unified diploma
system are the responsibility of the Board (see schedule five ).
13. The Board will have responsibility for final approval of:
a.
the qualifications prior to submission to NZQA, and
b.
any significant changes to the qualifications.
14. The qualifications will be developed collaboratively by the Management Committees who will
jointly recommend approval to the Board. The Management Committees will be responsible
for ensuring that consultation on proposed qualifications is conducted with all relevant
stakeholders including:
a.
Treaty of Waitangi partners
b.
providers
c.
Industry Training Organisations
d.
industry groups
e.
professional groups
15. Development of the NZDE will benchmark directly to the IPENZ graduate profile for
engineering technicians.
NZBED RULES November 2011
Page 18 of 24
16. Development of the NZDEP will benchmark directly to the IPENZ competence standard for
independent practice as an engineering technician.
R EVIEW OF QUALIFICATIONS
17. Each qualification will be reviewed every five years or earlier if there are extenuating
circumstances which affect the quality and currency of the courses.
18. The Board will manage the qualification review process ensuring that consultation is
conducted with all relevant stakeholders including:
a.
Treaty of Waitangi partners
b.
providers
c.
Industry Training Organisations
d.
industry groups
e.
professional groups.
f.
The annual report from Management Committees to the Board will include
recommendations for changes to the qualification arising from the annual
evaluation and review process.
C HANGES TO QUALIFICATIONS
19. Submissions for changes will be made by the Management Committees providing the Board
with the following:
a.
background and rationale for proposed changes
b.
consultation with stakeholders in support of the proposed changes
c.
details of the proposed changes and any implications for learners including
transition plans.
20. The Board will consider the submissions, give final approval and liaise with the NZQA to
obtain NZQA approval for the changes.
R EVIEW OF COURSE DESCRIPTORS
21. A programme of ongoing review of individual courses will be established and maintained.
22. Changes will be approved by the appropriate Management Committee and reported to the
Board.
E XTERNAL MODERATION
23. The Board will be responsible for developing a national external moderation system that
ensures valid and consistent assessment outcomes are achieved across the range of
provision of each qualification. The moderation system will comply with the NZQA
requirements and ensure that the qualifications retain the confidence of all stakeholders.
24. The Board will also ensure that mechanisms are established to deal with cases of
substandard assessment at provider level.
25. The Management Committees will be responsible for ensuring that:
a.
the external moderation process is conducted nationally with all providers involved
b.
the system provides for the moderation of assessment for both off -job and on-job
assessments
c.
there is a robust pre-assessment moderation process prior to use of assessments
NZBED RULES November 2011
Page 19 of 24
d.
the post-assessment moderation process is robust and ensures consistency of
outcomes for learners
e.
where national assessments are used, the moderation takes place either face -toface or using a paper based system
f.
an annual report on the operation of moderation processes is provided to the
Board.
D ELIVERY REQUIREMENTS
26. The Board will be responsible for establishing any qualification-specific requirements for the
accreditation of providers of each qualification and for establishing mechanisms for ensuring
that these requirements continue to be met by individual providers.
A C HIEVEMENT OF G OALS AND PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
27. The Board demonstrates that it is achieving the educational and training goals in by:
a.
reporting annually against the performance indicators in Section Two to
stakeholders in the unified diploma system; identifying the achievements; the
areas for improvement and the timelines for any improvements to be actioned
b.
using the outcomes in the annual report to update the educational and training
goals and their performance indicators
c.
monitoring the policies and processes in the quality management system annually
for their currency, consistency and effectiveness.
NZBED RULES November 2011
Page 20 of 24
SCHEDULE FIVE – COURSE APPROVAL AND ACCREDITATION REQUIREMENTS
TEOs wishing to offer the NZ Diploma in Engineering need to apply to NZQA, if the applying TEO is
an ITP, for course approval and accreditation. While the national course, rules and procedures
are in place, TEOs have some flexibility in the way they structure the delivery of the qualification.
Applicants must provide evidence that the criteria for course approval and accreditation outlined
in the current version of the NZQA publication Criteria, Requirements and Guidelines for Course
Approval and Accreditation are met. In preparing an application, TEOs must also refer to the
information below.
1.
Course specific requirements
Course applications must follow the course specific requirements outlined below.

Criteria 1: Title, aims, learning outcomes and coherence

Criteria 2: Delivery and learning methods

Criteria 3: Assessment

Criteria 4: Acceptability of the course

Criteria 5: Regulations

Criteria 6: Resources

Criteria 7: Evaluation and review Additional documents.
2.
Criteria 1: Title, aims, learning outcomes and cohere nce
This section needs to include a rationale for the TEO's intention to deliver the NZDE. It should be
consistent with the TEO's Investment Plan and should indicate whether all majors will be
delivered. Component details are not required in the application documentation as they are
specified by the qualification owner (NZBED) in NZDE course descriptors. The evaluation panel
will expect to see that the NZDE course descriptors have been used by the TEO in preparation of
delivery and assessment materials and of guidelines for candidates.
The proposed course length needs to be specified in terms of hours per week and number of
weeks, and needs to be consistent with the expectations of a 240-credit course (nominally two
years of full-time study).
3.
Criteria 2: Delivery and learning methods
Delivery and learning methods should be consistent with the needs of any targeted learner
cohort. Plans for work placements or other mechanisms to ensure that learners gain a practical
understanding of the New Zealand engineering environment should be included. Course
guidelines for learners should be prepared for courses to be delivered in the first semester of
delivery. These should include learning outcomes, outline of content, assessment standards,
delivery information and recommended learning resources.
4.
1.3 Criteria 3: Assessment
Assessments, and the basis for making assessment decisions, must be designed to be
consistent with the course descriptor requirements.
The documentation should indicate the processes the TEO has to manage:

credit transfer, including unspecified and specified, and the award of unspecified credit
through assessment against local prescriptions
NZBED RULES November 2011
Page 21 of 24

Assessment of Prior Learning (APL)

awarding and reporting of grades

internal moderation

national moderation.
Assessment materials should be prepared for courses to be delivered in the first semester of
delivery.
Any TEO reporting results for NZDE must engage in the national moderation process.
5.
1.4 Criteria 4: Acceptability of the course
The documentation should identify stakeholders and their interests, and evidence or information
as to how these interests have been addressed.
The TEO must have established a Local Advisory Committee (LAC) with a structure and functions
consistent with criteria 4 Acceptability of the Course in the publication Criteria, Requirements
and Guidelines for Course Approval and Accreditation. The LAC should have met to confirm its
structure and functions and to provide initial guidance and comment on the proposed course
during the set-up phase.
6.
Criteria 5: Regulations
Regulations must be specified for learners that are consistent with NZDE course requirements.
7.
Criteria 6: Resources
a.
Criterion 6.1 Teaching staff
This section should:

detail relevant qualifications and experience of each member of the proposed teaching team

give an indication of individual contribution to, and responsibilities, for each part of the
course
Staff details should show that the organisation has appointed sufficient staff with appropriate
experience to cover the majors to be offered. If staff are not yet formally appointed, appropriate
staff should have been identified for appointment subject to the outcome of the evaluation.
b.
Criterion 6.2 Teaching facilities and physical resources
This should indicate that the organisation has appropriate facilities and physical resources, such
as engineering facilities. The organisation should subscribe or have access to professional or
industry-related magazines and other up-to-date resources covering the majors and
specialisations to be offered. Learners should have access to appropriate on-line journals and
data-bases.
An implementation timetable is required that is realistic in terms of the organisation's
understanding of what is required and its capacity to achieve it.
c.
Criterion 6.3 Candidate guidance and support systems
This section should include examples of learner information for the overall NZDE and for the
specific majors and specialisations to be delivered. Course guidelines should be pre pared for
courses to be delivered in the first semester of delivery.
NZBED RULES November 2011
Page 22 of 24
Support systems, such as English language support mechanisms for international learners,
should be outlined. These procedures should show how learners will be supported to achieve the
academic study expectations of the course.
d.
Criterion 6.4 Financial and administrative infrastructure
The TEO should show an understanding of how results will be reported, and how certification will
be managed (either from the institution or through NZQA).
An indicative budget for the first two years of delivery should be provided in order to confirm the
planning implications outlined elsewhere in the approval and accreditation application.
e.
Criterion 6.5 Proposed changes to the organisation's Quality Management System (QMS)
This should indicate where changes have been made in the QMS to accommodate delivery of the
NZDE.
8.
Criteria 7: Evaluation and review
This section should outline quality management systems and detail course monitoring,
evaluation and review systems and schedules. It will need to be clear that NZDE requirements
are incorporated into the organisation's practices.
The evaluation process will outline how the Local Advisory Committee (LAC) will relate to staff and
learners and how it will be involved in the development and operation of work placements,
projects or other mechanisms designed to ensure that learners gain a practical understanding of
the New Zealand engineering environment.
9.
Additional documents
The application may also include introductory or background material on the applicant
organisation and/or its reasons for developing the course and/or further information or evidence
in support of the application, eg Memorandum of Cooperation with any partner organisation.
10. NZQA evaluat ion process
Evaluation by NZQA will consist of a document analysis followed by a visit of a panel usually
comprised of:

an NZQA evaluator

a representative from IPENZ

a representative of the engineering profession/industry

a representative from the relevant Industry Training Organisation(s)

a representative from another TEO offering the NZDE.
The purpose of the panel visit is to confirm that the TEO has met the accreditation requirements
and that the course requirements for the NZDE will be applied.
Additional information on the panel visit, panel selection and expectations is available from NZQA
and/or ITP Quality.
11. Accreditation outcomes
NZQA may, in accordance with its guidelines:

accredit the TEO to deliver courses for all majors in the NZDE

specify the NZDE majors that are covered by the accreditation
NZBED RULES November 2011
Page 23 of 24

not accredit the TEO to deliver courses for any majors.
12. Monitoring
Newly accredited NZDE TEOs may be allocated an NZQA -appointed monitor who will visit during
the first semester and at least once annually until the course is well established, and report on
these visits to NZQA. Further information on monitoring processes is available in the NZQA
publication Criteria, Requirements and Guidelines for Course Approval and Accreditation.
13. Changes t o the course
TEOs wishing to change the structure of the course (beyond changes by NZBED to the course
structure, course descriptors and or programme regulations) must apply to NZBED for a change
to the course following the requirements specified in the publications NZQA Criteria,
Requirements and Guidelines for Course Approval and Accreditation for approval of changes.
Where TEOs are seeking approval to introduce a new delivery site, NZBED will seek assurances
regarding the quality of teaching on the existing site(s) when considering any such application.
Where TEOs are seeking approval to introduce a new delivery site offshore, it is necessary to
ensure that the quality and reputation of New Zealand courses and qualifications are maintained.
The TEO must ensure that the course delivered offshore is comparable and of comparable quality
to the same/similar course delivered in New Zealand and also is appropriately tailored to meet
the needs of learners and stakeholders offshore.
14. Conditions
Accreditation may be issued subject to specified conditions.
15. Withdrawal of accreditation
Accreditation to offer any of the course or any specified paper may be amended or revoked at
any time by NZBED if accreditation policies and criteria are not complied with by the TEO.
16. Appeals
If accreditation to offer the course or any prescription is amended or revoked, the TEO may
appeal the decision. Review and Appeal procedures explain how this can be done.
NZBED RULES November 2011
Page 24 of 24