 |
HCQ is committed to supporting and promoting the consumer voice in health.
In-keeping with its Term of Reference 2 and Strategic Plan 2008-2010, HCQ has established the HCQ Consumer Representatives Program.
Being a Consumer Representative is one way for consumers to provide input, from a consumer perspective, into national and state health policies, systems, service reforms and initiatives.
Through the program, agencies can request the recruitment of a consumer representative/s to health-related committees, reference groups, advisory bodies, councils, forums etc, (a "committee"), and consumers can submit an expression of interest in a particular committee vacancy, when it arises.
To be eligible to participate in the HCQ Consumer Representatives Program, HCQ requires consumers and agencies to work within the eight program conditions, including the nine operating principles, and for consumers to be registered on the HCQ Consumer Network.
How does it work?
Consumers join the HCQ Consumer Network:To become a HCQ consumer representative consumers register with the HCQ Consumer Network online. If you would like a hard copy of the forms, please contact HCQ Secretariat on (07) 3234 0611
Agencies Make a Request:The HCQ Secretariat receives requests from agencies to nominate Consumer Representatives to their committees via an on-line request form.
HCQ Advertises the Committee Vacancy:The HCQ Secretariat then advertises vacancies/calls for expressions of interest from consumers who wish to be considered for the vacancy. Vacancies are advertised on the HCQ web-site and circulated via email to members of the HCQ Consumer Network.
Consumers Apply:Consumer representatives complete and submit documents (including a brief Curriculum Vitae) to the HCQ Secretariat.
Applications are considered:A selection panel then reviews applications and makes recommendations to the requesting agency for the appointment of successful consumer representative/s. Successful and unsuccessful applicants are then notified.
Orientation:HCQ encourages all agencies to provide structured orientation to consumer representatives and other members, when they are appointed to a committee.
Feedback:At the completion of the appointment to a committee, agencies and consumer representatives provide feedback to HCQ about their experiences to assist in strengthening the program. |
HCQ encourages agencies to support the participation of consumer representatives based on individual needs and circumstances.
At a minimum, HCQ expects consumers to not be financially disadvantaged because of their membership of a committee. All out-of pocket expenses should be reimbursed.
HCQ is able to offer information and referral to both agencies and Consumer Representatives that supports and promotes the engagement and participation of consumers, as well as other forms of support or advice. Additionally, HCQ provides updates to consumers and agencies about emerging issues, engagement initiatives and opportunities to attend seminars, forums, conferences and training.
There are eight program conditions (including nine operating principles) which underpin the operation of the HCQ Consumer Representatives Program. To be eligible to participate in the HCQ Consumer Representatives Program, HCQ requires that Consumers and Agencies work within these conditions.
Other languages