From cryogenics and ceramics to cosmetics and circuits – there’s a standards committee for you
What do toys, traps, textiles and timber all have in common? Other than beginning with T they are all the subject of diverse technical committees you could be a part of. And that’s just scratching the surface of the opportunities available.
Standards development committees, sub committees, technical committees – whatever the type they are groups of experts and users of standards who come together to write, review, edit and shape standards – and they are made up of people like you. They are people who know the standards and contribute towards making them.
Help shape or observe
From robotics, artificial intelligence, hydrometry or horology to floor coverings, waste collection, machinery, metals and minerals, name an industry or specialism and chances are you will find a related standards development committee shaping international good practice.
Between ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) and IEC (the International Electrotechnical Commission) there are a whopping 500 committees that can welcome New Zealand participants. We’re also often looking for people to help revised joint Australian/New Zealand standards too. Presently hundreds of subject matter experts across diverse sectors already participate on many standards development committees. Hundreds watch developments from the sidelines as ‘observers’, expanding their knowledge and awareness of developments in new or revised standards that touch their sectors.
Committee opportunities for you
There are many ways to learn about new standards – from conversations and news from your professional networks, or through subscribing to our ‘Keep me up to date’ service for notification on new publications and drafts for public consultation. Committee members, however, are often at the forefront of developments in their field. They know what is on the horizon and what changes are likely to have an impact on their work - this offers great opportunities to prepare and adapt for change, anticipate new technologies and practices and see what is happening across the world.
Standards are not possible without subject matter experts – like you - generously contributing your expertise, time and commitment. We’ve made it easier for you to see what opportunities are available – ISO and IEC publish lists of all their committees and the standards they are working on, which we’ve collated on our website here:
Time to shine on a standards development committee
It’s not just the subject matter at the heart of standards that is diverse, but the perspectives that help shape those standards. When differing views all settle on something that works for all those who use the standard, that’s consensus. It avoids standards being underrepresented or monopoly by specific vested interests and comes from diverse viewpoints such as:
- Geographical and urban versus rural application
- Specialisms, for example, material, technical or process
- Academic (theoretical/research based) versus practitioner (experienced and applied)
- International input
- Gender diversity
- Cultural distinctions and needs
The benefits of getting involved are many:
- direct access to shaping the standards you might use
- an extensive professional network of industry experts relevant to your work, both in and outside of New Zealand
- an opportunity to learn from others and build your knowledge
- real experience for your professional development
- the opportunity to contribute and give back to your sector.
However, don’t take our word for it. Committee members have shared some of the reasons they contribute their time, knowledge and experiences:
"I believe committees need a good balance of younger and older, more experienced people and not just those involved in policy writing, but creatives, innovators and pragmatists." Alison Holt, IT specialist and committee chair
"You need the courage and inquisitive mind to ask questions that are rarely voiced, which keeps all committee members learning. New Zealand is good at finding innovative and elegant solutions that enable us to punch above our weight." Brian Fitzgerald, EECA/energy sector committee member
"It is rewarding when I can look at international standards and see the distinct flavour, or influence we’ve brought through New Zealand’s contribution." Dr Ann Smith, Convenor of the SC7 International Review Group
‘Sharing is how we grow as individuals, societies and industries. Putting that knowledge into standards means you’ve given something back that will shape your area of work for years to come.’ Dr Sara Broglio, Seismic engineer and committee member
Our newly revised ‘Help make standards’ section of the website helps you understand more and take that leap to getting involved in shaping good practice through an expression of interest:
Find a standards development committee that fits your expertise and be on the cutting edge of your sector, while making the world a little better.