We often receive a large number of applicants for the director vacancies we advertise.

When applying for a Treasury advertised position, it helps to ensure your record is completed in full, you have an updated CV attached to your profile, and you also include a cover letter that connects your experience to the advertised role and highlights what you would contribute to the board.

At the time of calling for nominations, decisions on board composition and term ends may not have been made.

It is the responsibility of candidates that are shortlisted, interviewed and recommended to Ministers for appointment to a Crown board to disclose all interests. Interests, if not disclosed, registered and managed properly, have the potential to lead to conflicts that could undermine the integrity of the appointment process, and the confidence held by stakeholders and the public in the actions of the entity.

All final decisions about which candidate will be appointed for any vacancy are made by the shareholding/Responsible Minister/s after consultation with the Cabinet Appointments and Honours Committee, and Cabinet.

The appointment process is likely to continue for three to six months after the closing date for applications.

The Treasury is not responsible for appointments to the several hundred other non-commercial Government-appointed boards and committees. However, we may be asked to provide nominations of suitable candidates by the agencies with responsibility for these boards, and several partner agencies have direct access to the Board Appointments database. (See other candidate databases under “Things you can do to enhance your governance career”).

Download the PDF of the Crown Board Appointment Process (PDF 748 KB).

1  Skills profiling & approach to market
Treasury identifies board’s needs with input from the chair and other stakeholders as appropriate. Plan appointment approach (open vs targeted search) and draft advice for Minister’s consideration.	Ministerial decision required	Start at least 6 months before term end date
2  Candidate identification
Nominations received from advertising, Minister’s caucus colleagues, nominating agencies and any other sources ie, networks, community groups, LinkedIn, or targeted search.	Minister provides names of any candidates and seeks  nominations from colleagues	One month
3  Shortlisting
Treasury screens all candidates against capabilities required and finalises a shortlist in conjunction with the chair. Proposed shortlist of candidates for interview is provided for Ministers consideration.	Ministerial decision required	One month
4  Due diligence
Candidates agreed by Ministers are progressed to interview and due diligence, including background and reference checks and identification of interests. Preferred appointees are provided for Ministers consideration.	Ministerial decision required	One month
5  Cabinet process
Treasury prepares draft Appointments and Honours Committee (APH) documentation on agreed candidates for Ministerial consultation. Following consultation proposed appointments considered by APH Committee and Cabinet.	Minister consults with colleagues and presents appointments at APH	5-6 weeks
6  Completion of appointments
Minutes confirming new appointments received. Treasury prepares and sends appointment documentation including relevant letters and formal notifications.	Minister signs appointment documentation or forwards to Governor‑General	3-4 weeks