Consumer Advisory Body

Introduction

The Royal Freemasons Consumer Advisory Body provides a source of meaningful engagement with residents and consumers and their representatives.

Members will be involved in:

Importantly, the Consumer Advisory Body will give feedback to the Royal Freemasons Executive and Board that will be considered in organisational decision-making.

FAQs

The Royal Freemasons Consumer Advisory Body plays a vital role in shaping the care and services we provide by offering valuable insights from lived experience. Here are some common questions you may have about the Advisory Body and how it works.

Who can apply?

The following people can apply to be on the Royal Freemasons Consumer Advisory Body:

A current Royal Freemasons consumer
A representative, family member or carer of a current Royal Freemasons consumer

To limit conflicts of interest, it is preferable that members are not health practitioners or people currently or recently employed or engaged in the provision of Aged Care or Home Care services.

Who will the members be?

The Consumer Advisory Body will have up to seven members who are current consumers, or a representative, family member or carer of a current consumer.
A number of Royal Freemasons employees will also be in attendance to assist with running the meeting, presenting information and agenda items and taking minutes. The Chair will be a very senior Royal Freemasons employee. Executive members may also be in attendance.

How are members selected?

Following the expressions of interest process, members will be selected based on several factors relevant to their experience, background, motivation for nominating, lived experience, location and to ensure that there is diversity in age, gender and culture. Nominations from residents and clients will be preferenced over those from representatives. We will also ensure that there is a mix of members from different parts of the business.
Our aim is to represent the diversity of people we provide services to, including various geographic locations, people living with dementia and people who belong to particular cultural or special interest groups. This means that even a strong nomination may not be successful. All nominees will be notified of the outcome of their nomination.

What is expected of members?

Each member will act in the best interests of the broader Royal Freemasons community by using their lived experience to identify improvement that will strengthen quality of care and services delivered.
We desire members who:

A current consumer with lived experience with Royal Freemasons services.
Ability to represent the perspective and needs of a wide variety of members.
Ability and confidence to constructively challenge the status quo and promote innovative thinking.
Ability to engage constructively in a committee environment or willingness to learn.
Ability to commit to the time required for the advisory group.

Members are expected to:

Advocate for those they represent.
Attend all Consumer Advisory Body meetings.
Always act in a professional manner and in accordance with the Royal Freemasons Charter of Conduct.
Respect the privacy and confidentiality of the agenda, papers, meetings, and other members.
Notify the committee if they are no longer an active consumer or representing an active consumer.
Declare any conflicts of interest.

Can my grievance or issue be resolved by the Consumer Advisory Body?

The Consumer Advisory Body is not a forum for complaints or resolution of individual grievances or issues however we are open to hearing how we as an organisation can improve the services for those in our care.

What will I get for participating?

Participation is voluntary. We will support you as much as possible to attend and participate. Any members who need assistance are encouraged to discuss this directly with the Chair so that supportive arrangements can be made.

What if I can no longer attend the meetings?

If for any reason you are finding it difficult to participate, including attending the meetings, please let us know how we can assist you. We can work with you to ensure you are supported as much as possible. If you no longer want to be involved, you can also let us know.