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Litmus What We Do Who We Are What We've Done What We've Said Who We Work With Who We Support
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Strategy and Planning

Development of Ethics Advisory Function

Client:
Ministry of Education

Project Background:
Since 2006, the Ministry of Education has been exploring the need for an in-house ethics advisory function. Like many social policy agencies, the Ministry has faced a number of ethical issues relating to research, policy and professional practice. 

Our Involvement:
Since 2006, Litmus has worked with the Ministry’s Research Division and Group Special Education to:

  • scope and develop an internal ethics advisory function that aligns with legislative requirements, existing ethical functions and codes, and the directions of other social policy agencies
  • help establish the ethics advisory function through the development of processes and tools, and secretariat services.

Key Outcomes:
The Ministry of Education is trialling a six-month ethics advisory function to build internal capability for ethical thinking, ensure consistency in decision-making on ethical issues and have a process to manage opportunities and risks.

SPARC Confidence Survey

Client:
Sport and Recreation New Zealand (SPARC)

Project Background:
SPARC was established in January 2003 to provide clear direction in shaping sport and recreation policy, provide increased levels of funding and lead change in sport and physical recreation. SPARC recognises that achievement of its vision depends on relationships with its partners. 

Our Involvement:
In 2007, Litmus undertook analysis and reporting of SPARC’s online partner confidence survey, which focused on evaluating partners’ perceptions of SPARC’s services and programmes, investment streams and Relationship Managers. 

Key Outcomes:
SPARC received a report highlighting partners’ high confidence, and offering direction and insight on how to build and develop these relationships further.

Review of Medical Misadventure Legislation

Client:
Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC)

Project Background:
Concerns about equity of service issues resulted in ACC and the Department of Labour reviewing existing legislation relating to medical misadventure.

Our Involvement:
Litmus was involved with all major phases of the Review process, from initial stakeholder consultation through to ongoing public and stakeholder engagement during post-Review legislative and policy development. We:

  • managed all aspects of the consultative process, including facilitating workshops with claimants, assisting with key medical and legal stakeholder interviews, facilitating an international videoconference to enhance a key concept under review, conducting meetings with claimant lobby groups and co-facilitating hui and fono
  • analysed the 200+ submissions received on the Review
  • presented synthesised feedback to the Review's interagency Steering Committee
  • maintained engagement with stakeholders during the post-Review period, to enable them to remain informed about subsequent policy directions and other relevant legislative developments.

Key Outcomes:
A major responsibility throughout the project was the simplification of complex policy concepts. This enabled all those participating in the Review to do so from a position of knowledge, and to respond with fully informed feedback.

National Research Strategy for the Sport, Recreation and Physical Activity Sector

Client:
Sport and Recreation New Zealand (SPARC)

Project Background:
SPARC is the government agency charged with getting New Zealanders moving and supporting elite athletes. The delivery of a high-quality research platform is key to developing the sport and recreation sector. In 2004, SPARC began developing a national research strategy with the aim of facilitating a more coordinated approach to research in terms of both priorities and investment. The goal is to deliver research that meets the needs of the sector and to ensure research is utilised.

Our Involvement:
Litmus provided a broad range of consultancy services to SPARC, aimed at contributing to the development of the National Research Strategy. We:

  • undertook an initial scoping process and literature review to develop the draft Strategy framework
  • consulted extensively to gain sector buy-in and development of the Strategy - this consultation included national and regional stakeholder workshops, targeted one-on-one meetings and a formal submission process.

Key Outcomes:
Favourable feedback from the sector on the consultation phase and Strategy document.