Community Reference Group

BDNH is committed to working with consumers of our services and the broader community to ensure that our services are meeting the changing needs of the community.

The purpose of the consumer reference group is to advise BDNH on the consumer perspective in relation to:

• Delivering and evaluating services.
• Consumer/client information and resource development.
• Organisational policy.
• Health service and strategic planning.
• Sharing first hand experiences of care and services with providers to help improve common understanding and identify areas for improvement.  

The work of the group will be coordinated through a consumer participation action plan, which will be developed in conjunction with BDNH staff.  The BDNH group is known as the Consumer Advisory Group (CAG).

Meetings

The consumer advisory group will meet 4 times a year.

Member eligibility

To become a member of the BDNH Consumer Advisory Group, the participant:

• Will be a direct or indirect consumer of BDNH services (as per the definition[1])
• Not be employed by BDNH or have a conflict of interest.
• Have an awareness of the needs of groups of consumers, not just the individual, have an ability to represent other views with objectivity and be able to effectively communicate on behalf of consumers.  
• Be able to attend meetings on a regular basis - a minimum of 3 per year.

Membership

• No less than three and no more than 9 consumers/carers/community members.
• Up to 3 BDNH staff members including the CEO, Quality Manager and Director of Nursing or their representatives.

There should be no more than 12 members in total (including any BDNH staff members) as it is recognised that large groups can be inefficient.

Appointment terms are for two years with the option of an additional term.  
 

Support to be provided to the BDNH Consumer Advisory Group(CAG)

BDNH will ensure that members of the CAG receive orientation and ongoing training/information to support their participation.

BDNH will support CAG members to attend meetings, by holding meetings at appropriate times and in accessible and appropriate venues

Reimbursements

BDNH will ensure that members of the CAG are not out of pocket as a result of attending consumer participation activities.  This includes: respite and child care, transport costs and phone usage.  Reimbursements however can only occur upon presentation of valid tax receipts.   Where an individual is already receiving a salary or funds and the consumer advisory group is consistent with their employment, then no offer of reimbursement will be made.  

For further information please contact Joanne Gell on 5334 1500.