The AVA is seeking members expressions of interest to represent the association on the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) Animal Health Accreditation Advisory Committee (AAC).
AVA Members are invited to submit an EOI of no more than 500 words outlining their interest in the role, along with a current CV, and any declarations of interests. Please send your EOI to Liz.Gemes@ava.com.au by Sunday 14 September 2025.
About NATA Animal Health Accreditation Advisory Committee
NATA appoints Accreditation Advisory Committees (AACs) who provide advice on technical matters and administrative support for specific areas of accreditation aligned with defined activities or industries.
The primary role of an AAC is to provide advice and recommendations for the associated area/activity of accreditation. An AAC may be asked to:
- Reviewing assessment reports and recommending to NATA’s Board the granting, extension or changes to the accreditation status of organisations
- Approving new technical assessors
- Developing and reviewing criteria specific to the work carried out by accredited organisations in the particular area of accreditation
- Providing guidance on interpretation of the criteria included in the relevant Standard used for accreditation
- Supporting assessors and assist in their technical training as necessary
- Keeping NATA abreast of technical developments and strategic issues in industry
- Acting as a liaison between NATA and relevant industry and professional societies
- Identifying proficiency testing (PT) needs in order to promote the availability of relevant PT programs
- Identifying potential new areas of accreditation
- Reviewing assessment reports and recommending to NATA’s Board the granting of, or extension to, or changes to the accreditation of facilities
- Approving new technical assessors
Further information about NATA ACCs is available here
Details about the Role
- Length of Term – An initial five-year term, followed by three-year terms for any subsequent appointments (with a maximum of three terms per committee position).
- Meeting Details – Meetings are held annually, either in-person or virtually. The next meeting is expected to take place in August or September 2026 and will run for approximately half a day (4–5 hours). If the meeting is held in-person, NATA will cover all associated travel and accommodation costs.
- Out-of-Session Activities – AAC members may occasionally be asked to review reports for Initial Assessments and Variations within their technical areas of expertise. NATA may also request technical advice on issues arising during assessments. Such requests are expected to be infrequent, with no more than one or two per month.
- The AVA representative will receive training regarding the role and responsibilities of ACC from NATA.