Code of Ethics
An outline of the two Code of Ethics for Speech New Zealand and their examiners.
Relationships
Examiner Code
of Ethics
Relations with candidates
The candidate is the examiner's first consideration and concern.
Examiners must conduct examinations fairly and justly, showing no personal bias and always making decisions based on the syllabus.
Examiners must preserve the confidentiality of the examination and of any information related to the candidate that has been revealed as part of that examination. This information may only be divulged to the Supervisor and National Office through the procedure of reporting to Speech New Zealand.
The Examiner must not discuss any aspect of the examination, the candidate’s work, or the report with other Examiners or with teachers, other than the candidate’s own teacher, except for Trainee Examiners for the purposes of training or a trustee on the Examinations committee.
All material such as visual aids brought to the examination by the candidate, copies of selections and reference notes remain the property of the candidate. All materials must be returned to the candidate. Materials should not be written on or changed in any way.
Examiners must destroy all versions of reports relating to candidates while on tour other than the official one.
Theory examinations
Examiners and the Moderator must mark and review all scripts fairly and justly, showing no personal bias and always making decisions based on the syllabus.
Examiners must keep all scripts and reports confidential and should not discuss the content or marking of the script or report with anyone other than the Moderator.
Practical issues, such as damaged or lost scripts, can be referred to National Office or the Moderator.
Relations with Supervisors
The Examiner must always maintain consideration and courtesy with the Supervisor.
It is not the responsibility of the Supervisor to run errands for the examiner.
The Examiner must ensure they have all the equipment that will be required, including pens and stationery items.
Stationery and Equipment required to undertake the role is the responsibility of the Examiner. Costs associated with this equipment can not be charged to Speech NZ other than that expressly detailed in the Conditions of Employment.
Conflict of interest
Examiners must declare actual or perceived conflicts of interest. A conflict-of-interest form must be submitted to Speech New Zealand on an annual basis, or when there is a change to an Examiner’s circumstances that might create a conflict of interest.
Examiners must disclose to National Office any work undertaken for another speech and/or drama-related examining body when they are approached by Speech New Zealand to examine.
An Examiner may not examine a candidate whom they have prepared for that examination.
Professional conduct
Examiners must maintain their expertise through professional development activities relevant to the syllabus examined.
Examiners must behave appropriately in public as a representative of Speech New Zealand whether on an examining tour, in other professional gatherings or when expressing a verbal or written opinion as an Examiner.
Examiners must operate honestly in all financial, business, and professional dealings with Speech New Zealand.
Examiners must disclose to Speech New Zealand any mental or physical condition that may impair their ability to examine.
Examiners must abide by the signed employment contract between themselves and Speech New Zealand.
Intellectual Property
Any recordings undertaken of examinations of students for marketing or accreditation purposes by Speech New Zealand must have full permission from the student’s legal guardian.
Any visual aids used in the recording remain the intellectual property of the student.
Any quotes from existing text or historical speeches remain the intellectual property of the original author/spokesperson.
Purpose
To outline a Code of Ethics for all Speech New Zealand Examiners. For the purpose of this Code, “Examiners” includes assessors and trainee examiners.
Scope
This policy affects all those employed by Speech New Zealand, Trustees, candidates and volunteers to the trust.
Delegations
This policy is the responsibility of all those working or volunteering for Speech New Zealand to uphold.
Useful resources
Legislative compliance
Employment Relations Act 2000
Information
Speech NZ
Code of Ethics
Trust Details
Name of the organisation
The organisation is registered with the Companies Office under the name of New Zealand Speech Board. It trades under the name of Speech NZ. In this document, “the Board” and “Speech New Zealand” are used interchangeably.
Nature of the organisation
Speech New Zealand is a not-for-profit Registered Charitable Trust. Founded in 1966 and is governed by voluntary, unpaid Trustees and administered day-to-day by a Manager and administration team located in its premises in Wellington.
Trust Rules, Vision, Values and Mission
Rules
Speech New Zealand abides by the Rules of the organisation, which are updated regularly.
Vision
Our vision is to develop confident, articulate New Zealand voices through relevant, future focused strategies that will empower and strengthen communities.
Values
Speech New Zealand works with dedication to be informed and guided by:
Partnership – as New Zealanders, we value relationships that encourage and respect diversity in all forms.
Credibility – as educators, we strive to deliver the best outcomes for all our stakeholders.
Empowerment – as an organisation, we are committed to supporting the growth and development of all our stakeholders.
Mission
Speech New Zealand is a “not for profit” Registered Charitable Trust, with aims to develop versatility in the use of language and oral presentation and performance skills. We believe that self-confidence, resilience, and effective communication skills are enormously important, and strive to see the growth of these three elements in the New Zealand population. This is reflected in our motto “Helping our nation to communicate”.
Through our broad range of syllabuses, we conduct examinations in a range of oral communication skills, working with schools, private teachers, community groups, and the corporate sector. We also facilitate tailor-made, bespoke courses in a variety of speech communication skills, for professional and personal development. We collaborate with national and regional organisations to provide access to scholarships and opportunities for everyone.
Governance
Responsible Governance
Speech New Zealand has an active and effective governing body that is responsible for setting the mission and strategic direction of the organisation and for providing oversight of finances, operations and policies. Governance transparency is a key feature of the organisation. The Board ensures that adequate resources are generated, manages these effectively, supports and acknowledges the contribution of examiners and supervisors, and appropriately compensates its staff. Due diligence is exercised in all fiscal matters, including the management of cash and assets.
Conflict of interest
Speech New Zealand abides by clear policies of declaring and dealing with conflict of interest and avoids abuse of power.
Legal compliance
Speech New Zealand is knowledgeable of, stays current with, and complies with all applicable laws and regulations.
Operation
Quality
Speech New Zealand strives for and achieves excellence in all aspects of the organisation and in the services provided by regularly assessing the total organisation and its outcomes and impacts.
Core business of Speech New Zealand
The core business of Speech New Zealand is as an examination board in a range of disciplines related to speech, drama, and oral communication. The Board employs examiners who are based throughout New Zealand, and trains and accredits them in the skills required to examine in the following syllabuses:
Speech and Drama
Public Speaking
Professional Speaking
English for Speakers of Other Languages
Oral Communication
Theatre in Action
The Board also provides training courses related to the above syllabuses and beyond as need arises or as fits the strategic direction of the organisation.
Purpose
To provide guidance regarding the ethics that underpin the way in which Speech New Zealand is governed and managed, and the way in which it relates to its stakeholders.
Scope
This policy affects all those employed by Speech New Zealand, Trustees and volunteers to the trust.
Delegations
This policy is the responsibility of all those working or volunteering for Speech New Zealand to uphold.
