Gateway: How to become a Gateway Reviewer

Application Process

The State Services Commission (SSC) will only accept applications to be registered as reviewers on the basis that applicants:

• meet the requirements of the Reviewer Skills Profile, and

• have completed an SSC-accredited training workshop, and

• have completed and submitted one of our registration application forms.

Inclusion in the Gateway Reviewer database does not guarantee a potential provider that they will be selected or engaged as a Gateway reviewer.  

An applicant will be placed on the reviewer database only where, in SSC's view, the applicant has satisfactorily demonstrated that he/she has the required skills and expertise as stated in the Skills Profile. Incomplete applications may be disqualified or assessed solely on the information received in the application. To promote the effective usage and operation of the database, SSC reserves its absolute right to review the performance of the members and to add or delete members based on expertise and performance. SSC will advise applicants of its decision to include or exclude them in the Reviewer database, and will keep the decision confidential between itself and the applicant.

An application is made on the basis that the applicant acknowledges that inclusion in the Reviewer database will not be construed to create any binding contract (express or implied) between SSC and the applicant. No legal relationship will exist between the parties until a Letter of Engagement is executed. At any time during the assessment process further clarification of any aspect of the application may be requested. Failure to supply clarification to the satisfaction of SSC may result in the application being disqualified.

SSC reserves the right to enter into any discussions and negotiations with any person at its absolute discretion without the need to correspond with other applicants. SSC may at any time negotiate with any person who is not an applicant and enter into an Agreement in relation to the services that are the subject of this application for registration with that person on such terms as SSC in its absolute discretion considers appropriate.

Selection and Engagement Process

The reviewers will be chosen according to the skills required for a particular project undergoing a Gateway review and the relevant stage of the project lifecycle.

When identified for possible engagement in a review, the applicant will be contacted by the Gateway Unit to determine their suitability and availability for the review. SSC is under no obligation to appoint an applicant, including when SSC has initiated discussions with the potential reviewer.  

In selecting potential Gateway Reviewers, the Gateway Unit will consider if potential reviewers:

• meet the requirements of the skills profile;

• have completed the Gateway training;

• have the required skills and experience for the project being reviewed;

• have a proven track record in successfully delivering major projects;

• hold the appropriate level of security clearance required for the project under review;

• have the ability to quickly establish effective working relationships in a small team environment;

• agree to abide by the Gateway methodology outlined in SSC's Gateway Review Process workbooks; and

• are willing to sign a Letter of Engagement with SSC which includes signing a deed of confidentiality and compliance, and a conflict of interest declaration.

Fees

SSC will pay a daily rate to private sector reviewers, depending on their skills and experience.  SSC will choose available reviewers who in their opinion represent best value for money for a given assignment.  Fees will be negotiated and agreed prior to executing the Letter of Agreement.

1. Download and completion of an Excel-based form (preferred)
2. Email or phone the Gateway Unit (gatewayunit@ssc.govt.nz, +64 4 495 6600 during business hours) and request the application form be emailed or mailed to you.

1. 1. Download and completion of an Excel-based form (preferred)

2. 2. Download and completion of a csv version of the Excel form (provided for accessibility purposes

3. 3. Email or phone the Gateway Unit (gatewayunit@ssc.govt.nz, +64 4 495 6600 during business hours) and request the application form be emailed or mailed to you.

Provision of Information to Other Jurisdictions

SSC is collecting the information on the application forms to develop a list of potential reviewers for New Zealand Government Gateway reviews. SSC may share some or all of this information with Australian Government Federal and State agencies for their use in coordinating Gateway reviews within their respective jurisdictions.

Training

The Gateway Unit holds one day 'Gateway Training and Awareness' workshops.  These are aimed primarily at:

• Helping sponsors and key personnel of major government projects to know what to expect and how to get best value out of a Gateway review

• Training prospective Gateway reviewers.

Government chief executives, senior managers and senior project team members who want to gain a better understanding of the Gateway Review process and what to expect during Gateway Reviews are also welcome to attend. Participation in a workshop is a requirement for anyone wishing to become a Gateway reviewer, but does not guarantee acceptance of an application.  

The workshops, run by an accredited training provider, are designed around a realistic project case study and cover the principles and techniques of the Gateway Review Process.

To register for Gateway training email the Gateway Unit (gatewayunit@ssc.govt.nz) along with your CV or Profile and you will be added to the waitlist.

To see all information published about the Gateway process, go to the Gateway homepage.