Dear members:
Welcome to the May newsletter, which covers relevant information including the outcome of the application of the Qualifications Review, the Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2022, election to the Executive Committee, upcoming consistency review for the NZ Diploma in Christian Studies Level 6 and other administrative matters.
Outcome of the Religious Studies Qualifications Review
On behalf of the CTMES Executive Committee, I am pleased to inform you that we have received notification from NZQA advising us that review of the sector’s qualifications has been successful. Specifically that, “The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) has assessed Christian Theological and Ministries Education Society (CTMES)’s application in accordance with the rules established under section 436 of the Education and Training Act 2020 and is pleased to advise that your application has been granted. These qualifications have been developed with the input of industry and other stakeholders, and there is confidence they will meet the needs of those stakeholders. Version 2 of the reviewed qualifications and the associated change report will be published on the NZQA website shortly.”
There will be a transition period for colleges to make Type 2 changes for version 2. Overall, there were few changes to the original qualifications but NZQA still requires Type 2 changes to be submitted for the updated qualifications. NZQA has yet to publish the reviewed qualifications and once this is officially on their website, CTMES will be in contact to give you further information. The next qualifications’ review is scheduled in 2027.
CTMES extends a very warm thank-you to all stakeholders for their constructive input and the support given to the process of review.
Formal Notice of the 2022 AGM
In accordance with the requirements of the CTMES Constitution, Rule 7.1.3, this is the notice of the AGM 30 days in advance. The format will be similar to the 2020 and 2021 AGMs and will be held via survey with a ten-day window for members to complete. Prior to the meeting, members will receive the 2022 Annual Report and Financial Statements, the 2022 budget and nomination for election to the CTMES Executive Committee. Members are asked to submit any appropriate business electronically to the Executive Committee at manager@ctmes.ac.nz or edwge.fava@xtra.co.nz at least 15 days prior to the AGM. A date and the link for the AGM will be sent out shortly.
Call for Nominations to the Executive Committee Election 2022
This is a call for nominations to the Executive Committee.
In accordance with the Constitution, Rule 3 (3.3), Executive Committee members will hold office for three years on a rotational basis and will be eligible for re-election without re-nomination. There are two executive members who are eligible for re-election in 2022 and wish to stand again. The Executive Committee advises that these executive members are Rob Ayers, currently Deputy Chair and Steve Graham, currently Executive Committee member. There is one other vacancy to be filled.
Members are invited to nominate persons for election to the Executive Committee. Please note that nominations must be:
on the prescribed form
signed by the member nominating the person
signed by the person nominated indicating their willingness to be elected
show the nominee’s full name and College
sent to the CTMES Executive Director, Edwige Fava, electronically, no later than Friday, 27 May 2022.
In addition, nominees are to include a short biography, key interests and may provide a brief written statement stating what specific skills and experience they will bring to the Executive Committee (250 words maximum). Nominations will be circulated to members soon after the closing date.
The Nomination Form is at the end of this newsletter.
Voting
In the event that there is more than one nomination the Executive Committee advises that:
According to the relevant rules in the Constitution, section 7.3: Voting, Generally issues will be decided by consensus but where Society issues need to be resolved by voting the following will apply:
7.3.1 Each institution has three votes, and one additional vote for every 50 EFTS, up to a maximum of 20% of the total votes at any one time
7.3.2 If a vote is necessary for Executive Committee members each voter will indicate their preference for candidates up to the number required to fill the vacancies. Selection will be made on the basis of the highest polling candidates up to the number required to fill the vacancies.
7.3.4 A member may delegate their proxy to another member provided the notice of proxy is registered in writing with the Chairperson or Executive Secretary twenty four hours before the stated time of commencement of the meeting for which the proxy applies.
7.3.5 A quorum consists of 12 voting members, including proxies.
The Executive Committee advises that each college’s EFTS are to be calculated for Theological and Ministry provision, Levels 1 – 10, according to the SDR or equivalent Student Management System, for both domestic and international students, and that institutions are to clearly note the EFTS consumption of the Christian ministry content. A few colleges offer other areas of study in addition to Theology and/or Christian Ministry and it is not expected that such colleges pay subscription rates or have voting rights for areas of study that are not Christian studies.
Consistency Review of the NZ Diploma in Christian Studies Level 6
The next consistency review for the Diploma Level 6 will be on 22 November 2022. Please save this date in your diaries. For those that have already gone through this process, it will be easier this time around. The consistency review will likely be online. Our sector has had exceptionally good consistency reviews - a testimony of how well you have demonstrated your understanding of qualification outcomes and how well your graduates meet them. While it does involve work, it is worth acknowledging that the process enables college to have a rich source of information, enhanced ongoing self-assessment and it’s a good preparation for EERs.
Membership Fees
You would have noted that no membership fees were charged for 2021. The CTMES Executive Committee moved that it would waive subscription fees for 2021 in recognition of the burden and pressures that members have been under due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Membership subscription invoices have been sent for 2022.
CTMES conference
CTMES looks forward to hosting a conference in 2022. This will be held later in the year and more information will be coming shortly.
Finally, if there have been any changes to your college and/or contact persons’ details, please let me know as soon as possible.
Ngā mihi nui and many blessings
Edwige
Executive Committee Nomination Form
I/We nominate the following person to stand for election to the CTMES Executive Committee 2022.
Name of nominee: _________________________________
College/PTE: ____________________________________
Confirmation of willingness to stand and that the nominee is a fit and proper person.
(Signed by Nominee)
Nominator: ___________________________
College/PTE: ____________________________
(Signed by Nominator)
Please complete this form and email to Edwige Fava at manager@ctmes.ac.nz or edwige.fava@xtra.co.nz no later than Friday 27 May 2022.
Include the short biography and key interests as stated on the form.