Request for a Consumer Representative

Consumer Reps work on a voluntary basis to provide their expertise, developed through lived experience and specialised training, in a range of government and community settings to improve services and programs throughout the ACT.

The Network promotes the appropriate reimbursement of Consumer Reps, to ensure they are not out of pocket due to their valued participation.

The Network maintains that the appropriate level of reimbursement for Consumer Reps is that set by ACT Government: Health (Procedure – Consumer, Carer and Community Representative Reimbursement).

We recognise that in some cases an organisation may be unable to reimburse Consumer Reps at the appropriate rate.  In such cases, the Network will work with the organisation to ensure the Consumer Rep receives an appropriate level of reimbursement.

To request a Consumer Rep to be part of your committee or other activity, please complete the relevant form below and submit to representation@actmhcn.org.au along with the Terms of Reference for your new committee.

What happens next?

Recruitment

Once we have received all the information about your committee, the position is then advertised to all eligible Consumer Reps.  The position may also be advertised more broadly if time permits.

Each recruitment round is open for four weeks to allow maximum opportunity for interested individuals to apply. If a position is not filled in the first round it will remain vacant and continue to be advertised until filled.

Once all nominations have been received, they are reviewed by the Consumer Rep Program (CRP) Steering Committee for discussion and selection.

Next Steps

Once endorsed by the CRP Steering Committee, the Network provides formal notification of a Consumer Rep’s placement to the requesting organisation. The Consumer Rep receives a copy of this letter, as well as a pack welcoming them to the position. The welcome pack includes the committee information provided in the initial request phase, as well as other useful forms and information.

An important part of any new Consumer Rep appointment is the opportunity for the Consumer Rep and the Chair to meet and discuss the role and the committee, and to answer any questions the Consumer Rep may have.

In the case of an inexperienced Consumer Rep being appointed to your committee, they will be supported by a skilled Mentor for their first few meetings. Mentors receive a reimbursement from the Network to ensure they are not out of pocket for providing their valuable support.