How is Ea Independent from AUT?

As an Organisational Ombuds service, Ea is independent of AUT's structure and function.

Ea (formerly known as EARS) reports directly to the Vice Chancellor (VC) and is independent of the university's management, people and culture function and structure.

The Head of the Vice Chancellor's Office (HVCO) will coordinate routine matters of employment administration for the Ea Head of Service. The reporting line, as shown in the organisational chart for the purview of AUT staff, will show the reporting line between Ea and the HVCO. However, the Head of Ea continues to contact the VC directly as and when required on emerging systemic issues.

The Office of Ea was enacted in August 2021. The initial Charter (the instrument of enactment) as an agreement of practices was signed between the Vice Chancellor of AUT and the Head of Service. The Charter was subsequently renewed in September 2022 until September 2025.

Clause 9 of the Charter confirms that the reporting line between the Head of service for Ea and the VC is via the VC. In matters of operations, as an employee, the Head of the service appears in the organisational chart to report to the Head of the Vice Chancellor's Office. This should not detract from the meaning of independence set out in the Charter [clause 3. d.].