Terms of Reference

Our
Purpose

The CIP Network is a group of individuals working independently and collaboratively to reduce the impacts and influence of cults in New Zealand and Australia. The CIP Network is dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of cultic harm, and growing a workforce of cult-informed professionals in the areas of health, psychology, social services, education, law and policy-making. Fostering a shared sense of purpose, the CIP Network is a platform for education, resource creation, and coordinated action, while respecting the autonomy of its members.

Our
Objectives

Workforce Development (Ako): Prioritise workforce development by promoting systems to train, and sustain professionals to more effectively support survivors.
Promote Collaboration (Whanaungatanga): Build a multidisciplinary network to address cult-related challenges effectively.
Raise Awareness (Māramatanga): Support the delivery of education campaigns and resources on cult dynamics, coercive control, and cult disinformation.
Advocate for Change (Tika): Support research, policy development, and legal frameworks to prevent and address cult harms.
Support Survivors (Awhi): Support the development of pathways, resources and services for cult survivors and their families to reintegrate into the community.

Our Activities

The CIPNetwork's key activities are:

Support workforce development initiatives
Facilitating partnerships and discussions across professional sectors.
Support creating, disseminating and/or delivering educational resources.
Public education & media advocacy
Lobbying for legislation and funding prioritisation changes
Support survivors through the above activities

Our Ethical Framework

The CIPNetwork adheres to principles of:

Inclusivity (Whanaungatanga):

Welcoming diverse perspectives and expertise.

Respect (Whakahōnoretanga):

Upholding the privacy, dignity and autonomy of members and survivors.

Transparency (Pono):

Operating with honesty and openness.

Empowerment (Manaakitanga):

Enabling survivors and communities to thrive.

Members

Membership is open to individuals aligned with the CIPNetwork’s purpose (kaupapa), including but not limited to:

Professionals in health, social services, education, and law
Academic researchers and tertiary students
Lived experience experts and advocates
Journalists and media professionals
Other professionals working to address coercive control in parallel domains

Responsibilities of members:

Contribute to collaborative projects and initiatives.
Adhere to the CIPNetwork’s ethical principles and kaupapa.
Understand that the network is a professional group and not a support group
Be mindful of power and control dynamics which can destabilise groups
Adhere to healthy models for resolving conflict and differences

Leaders

Authority and Decision-Making

The CIPNetwork will include a leadership group of 4-6 people to provide strategic direction and oversight while representing the diverse sectors within the membership.

Leadership Group Composition:

Representatives from member sectors (e.g., health and social services, education, survivor advocacy, law).
Members with relevant strategic development experience and a commitment to the CIPNetwork’s objectives.

The CIPNetwork promotes collaborative learning and action. While the leadership group provides strategic oversight, no individual or organisation has the authority to act explicitly on behalf of the CIPNetwork without prior agreement from the leadership group. Individual members and any working groups are encouraged to report back to the CIPNetwork for discussion, and to update members on the progress of their initiative.

As a network the priority will be for supporting member collaboration and their activities.

Roles and responsibilities of the leadership Group:

Ensure alignment with the Network’s purpose (kaupapa), ethical framework and objectives.
Oversee strategic initiatives and facilitate collaboration across sectors and working groups.
Effectively facilitate group meetings to ensure the purpose of the meeting is followed and members are safe. Act in response to abusive or disruptive behaviours to protect the culture of the Network.
Promotion of the CIPNetwork and its activities
Communication with members of ongoing events, activities and achievements.
Maintain transparency and encourage feedback from all members.

Other
bits

The CIPNetwork will not require or collect levies from members. If funding is required for specific initiatives, the leadership group may facilitate funding support.

These Terms of Reference will be reviewed annually or as needed to ensure they remain responsive to the needs of the CIPNetwork and its members.