Changes to TCR selection process

The following changes were implemented in 2017:

• Permanent application process. Interested volunteers may now submit statements of interest at any time, rather than in a time-limited application window. These SOIs will be kept on file for review when vacancies appear.
• Introduction of a retirement process for TCRs. Veteran TCRs who have been in an active role for a significant period of time can now be retired. The original TCRs signed up for an annual term, with the expectation they would be replaced more frequently than has occurred in practice. This provision allows for fresh perspective in oversight and participation by allowing new TCRs to be appointed more regularly.
• Travel support. We will now pay for airfare, accommodation and a stipend to TCRs. This allows new TCRs to volunteer who may otherwise have been impeded by the requirement that TCRs are to pay all of their own costs. (This travel support was introduced for existing TCRs in 2014.)
• Single Backup Pool. There is no longer a distinction between backups for CO and RKSH roles — those in the backup pool are now eligible for both roles. Volunteers may still express a preference for which roles they prefer.
• The TCR-based approach is no longer “provisional”, as described in the original documentation.

The changes largely relate to implementing 3 of the 4 conclusions from our earlier public consultation, namely:

• “provide mechanisms to select new TCRs, as well as introduce term-limits for existing TCRs”
• “provide travel support to those TCRs that request it”
• “define a minimum level of participation for TCRs.”

The fourth conclusion, to “increase the number of TCRs that can perform at specific ceremonies”, is still under consideration for a viable technical solution that would meet our other trust criteria.