Induction: Crown Entity Board Members

Crown entities make up a significant part of the public sector, and undertake a wide range of functions. In 2022, Crown entities are responsible for around 35% of central government expenditure, 45% of central government assets and 75% of the central government workforce. Many have their own enabling legislation and all operate with varying degrees of independence from their responsible Ministers.

Governance of Crown entities is the responsibility of their boards or, in a limited number of cases, a corporation sole. Board members are appointed from many different backgrounds, and bring a wide range of skills and expertise to their role. But they will not necessarily have a full understanding of working within what might be called the ‘Crown’ environment.

Many Crown entities and monitoring departments already provide induction programmes for new board members. The following package of slides can be used to augment these programmes, to form the basis of a new programme, or as part of a refresh programme for all board members.

The material is grouped into 8 modules. It can either be presented in full, or one or more modules can be used alongside an agency's existing material.

The primary audience for the induction material is new board members of statutory Crown entities. Entities and monitoring departments are free to use the material in full or in part to supplement their current induction programmes: the modules as PowerPoint files are attached below. Feedback or questions regarding this information is welcome. The Public Service Commission  is also happy to consider requests to assist with presentations, please contact cerc@publicservice.govt.nz.