Nau mai, haere mai

Welcome to our Head Trust

The CCS Disability Action Head Trust is a vital part of our national governance framework, providing strong, unified leadership across our organisation. As a charitable trust supporting disability advocacy in New Zealand, the Head Trust ensures that our strategic direction and decision-making are consistent, inclusive, and effective.

Established as part of CCS Disability Action’s renewed governance structure, the Head Trust reflects our commitment to building a more responsive, transparent, and community-driven organisation. It plays a central role in aligning our values with our operations, ensuring that the voices of disabled people and their whānau are heard and respected at every level.

Our purpose and role in governance

The Head Trust exists to provide oversight and leadership that is grounded in lived experience. Operating at a national level, the Trust is responsible for guiding the strategic direction of CCS Disability Action, ensuring that our work remains aligned with our mission to support disabled people to live the lives they choose.

Our governance model is designed to be inclusive and participatory. While the Head Trust leads at the national level, it remains deeply connected to local communities through our Voice and Action Groups. These groups operate throughout Aotearoa, providing a platform for disabled people, families, and allies to share their experiences, raise concerns, and contribute to shaping our services and policies.

This two-tiered governance approach ensures that decisions made at the top are informed by real-world insights and community feedback. It also reinforces our commitment to disability rights, equity, and social inclusion.

Who are our trustees?

The strength of the Head Trust lies in the diversity and depth of experience among its trustees. Our board is composed of individuals who bring a rich blend of:

• Professional expertise in governance, law, finance, advocacy, and service delivery

• Lived experience of disability, either personally or through close family connections

• Cultural competence and understanding of the diverse communities we serve.

This unique combination ensures that our leadership is not only strategic but also empathetic and grounded in the realities faced by disabled people across New Zealand.

Our trustees are passionate about creating a more inclusive society. They work collaboratively to uphold the principles of the New Zealand Disability Strategy, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ensuring that our governance reflects both international best practice and local values.

Connecting national leadership with local voices

One of the defining features of the Head Trust is its connection to the grassroots. Through our Voice and Action Groups, we maintain a strong link between national leadership and local communities. These groups provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by disabled people in different regions, helping to shape our priorities and policies.

This feedback strengthens our accountability and ensures that our governance is responsive to the evolving needs of the disability community. It also empowers individuals to participate in decision-making processes.

Why governance matters in disability support

Effective governance is essential for any organisation, but it is especially critical in the disability sector. The Head Trust ensures that CCS Disability Action remains:

• Accountable to the people and communities we serve

• Transparent in our operations and decision-making

• Strategically focused on long-term impact and sustainability

• Inclusive in our leadership and representation.

By maintaining high standards of governance, we build trust with our stakeholders, attract support from funders and partners, and ensure that our services continue to meet the needs of disabled people across New Zealand.