Consumer Advisory Group (CAG) FAQs
What is the purpose of the Consumer Advisory Group?
St Paul De Chartres will engage the assistance of the Consumer Advisory Body to increase consumer, carer, and community participation across the services, including Residential Aged Care and Independence Care Unit.
What is the role of the Consumer Advisory Body?
The Consumer Advisory Body has three important roles:
- To provide valuable feedback to and advise the St Paul De Chartres’ Board of Directors (the Board) and give consumers a voice in relation to the integration of consumer, carer, and community views into all levels of the service operations, planning and policy development.
- Identify and advise the Board on priority areas and issues requiring community engagement and Aged Care needs.
- Develop, monitor, and evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of a Strategic plan endorsed by the Board
Who will make up the Consumer Advisory Body Committee?
The Committee will consist of a maximum of 12 members and include a representative from each service, in each state, where possible.
The persons appointed to the consumer advisory body are preferably persons:
- who can represent the view of the communities served by the Residential Aged Care and Home care Services; and
- who are not health practitioners or people currently or recently employed or engaged in the provision of Residential Aged Care Services and/or Home Care services.
Membership will comprise of:
- Maximum of 4 SPC staff / Board members
- The Chair (appointed by the Board) who must be a Board member.
- Up to 8 individuals from community areas near St Paul De Chartres’ Residential Aged Care and Home Care Services, including maximum of 2 ILU residents (one of whom must be receiving home care package)
How will the members be selected?
Following the nomination process, Consumer Advisory Group members will be selected based on several factors relevant to their experience, location, and service reflective of diversity of age, gender, and culture. All appointments are for a period of 12 to 24 months, and the Board will appoint, replace, or remove members to and from the Committee and review the composition of the Committee every 12 months. Invitation to apply will be extended in 12 month.
What qualifications do I need?
Members are required to undertake a Police Check and Working with Vulnerable People check. They are also required to comply with St Paul De Chartres’ Confidentiality Policy and sign the Consumer Advisory Group Committee Code of Conduct Agreement.
What happens after the 12-month term?
At the completion of their first term, members will be asked to express interest in being re-appointed for a second term. The Chair will make a recommendation to the Board for reappointment of interested members. If members do not wish to be re-appointed the vacancy will be advertised in the community.
What authority will the Consumer Advisory Group have?
The powers of the Committee shall be in an advisory capacity. The Committee’s formal report and feedback to the Board is through the meeting minutes. The Committee will also refer any significant issues and recommendations they would like to be considered to the Board.
How often will the Consumer Advisory Group meet?
The Committee will meet up to 3 times a year or as required through support via completing surveys, reviewing draft documents and providing comments, and completing phone interviews or online meetings. The Committee shall perform an annual evaluation of its performance and terms of reference and provide that information to the Board. The Board will evaluate the performance of the Committee annually and a survey will be forwarded to members.
How will you manage my personal information?
When you submit your Expression of Interest form, we will collect and store your personal information in a secure database. Your personal information is protected by law, including the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles. You can ask to be removed from the database at any time. We will only use the information in the database to invite you to participate in consultations as part of the Consumer Advisory Group. We will not use or disclose the information for any other purpose without your consent unless required by law. In addition to identifying information, you will be invited to provide some sensitive information, such as information about your cultural or personal identity. You do not have to provide this, but it will help us to make sure the Consumer Advisory Group has a diverse membership.
I want to give my views on all matters. How can I add to the agenda?
It may not be possible for the Consumer Advisory Group to cover every area of care. But if there are issues you are passionate about, please tell us in your Expression of Interest form and we will take this into account.
What is expected of members?
Members will join for one (1) to two (2) year with the possibility of that time being extended. We will consult with members throughout the year in different ways, which may include:
- online meetings of up to 1.5 hours. Members may need to do some reading and
preparation before the meeting. - reviewing draft documents and providing comments.
- completing surveys or phone interviews.
- face-to-face meetings in different locations from time to time.
What do I get for participating?
Participation is voluntary and does not involve any payment.
I can’t come to a face-to-face meeting. Can I still be a member?
Yes, you can. We offer a range of methods for you to engage with us.
I don’t have a computer. Can I still be a member?
Yes, you can. We offer a range of methods for you to engage with us.