Health & Safety Governance Guide launch event

A new Health and Safety Governance Guide, to be published shortly by the Institute of Directors and WorkSafe, is a further pivotal step in organisations striving to enhance their health and safety governance, and overall performance.

This guide, developed using the findings from the Better Health and Safety Governance Project, represents a renewed vision, principles and tools for health and safety governance, and drawing from good governance practice in New Zealand.  It is framed around the critical influence boards have on health and safety performance and the personal obligation directors have under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. With a growing focus on officer due diligence and the flatlining of national health and safety performance, this guide will be a “beacon” and encouragement for directors to lead with conviction and drive meaningful improvements in workplace health and safety, ultimately contributing to better outcomes for employees and needed productivity improvements.  

The launch of the new Health and Safety Governance Guide is a springboard for improved health and safety governance practice.  It is an opportunity for directors, business leaders, health and safety practitioners and regulators to ensure directors and boards play the role they need to for improved health and safety outcomes in New Zealand.  

 Thank you to IoD National Sponsor, Dentons for hosting this event. 

Fiona Oliver

CFInstD

Fiona is an experienced professional director with a governance career that has spanned a variety of sectors, including renewable energy, natural gas, technology, commercial property, financial services, professional services, and sport. These roles have been in commercial, public sector and not-for-profit entities.

Fiona was awarded the New Zealand Shareholders Association’s Beacon Award in 2021.

Fiona has held Executive leadership roles in funds management for Westpac (BT Funds Management) and AMP in New Zealand. She has also held commercial roles in asset management and private equity in Sydney and London. Prior to her management career, Fiona practised as a senior corporate and commercial lawyer in New Zealand and overseas, specialising in mergers and acquisitions.

Fiona is involved in governance because she believes an entity benefits from the different perspectives a board brings. Independent directors are increasingly valued as management teams have confidence their goals and strategies are supported by independent contributors. Ultimately New Zealand stands to benefit if entities have stewardship, strategic thinking, and the support that a board brings.

Fiona is a keen swimmer and her first job in London during her OE was as a lifeguard at the Brentford Leisure Centre.

Francios Barton

MInstD

Francois is the Chief Executive of the New Zealand Business Leaders’ Health and Safety Forum – a coalition of more than 400 CEOs committed to building cultures that enable people and business to thrive. 

Francois has worked at a system and leadership level of New Zealand health and safety since 2006 in May 2015, Francois worked in the health and safety regulator for almost 10 years, through the Pike River Mine tragedy, major reforms and was directly involved in the establishment of WorkSafe NZ.  During that time, he established WorkSafe’s national programme team, including the significant interventions in construction, forestry, work-related health and agriculture. 

Francois has spent his career working to effect change by connecting diverse groups and perspectives, reframing and redefining complex challenges and remaining anchored to the core belief that it is only by working together we will make progress.

Contact

Kristyn Chandler-Yates
National Sponsorship and Events Manager
+64 27 207 2592
Kristyn.Chandler-Yates@iod.org.nz