Consumer Advisory Body

The Consumer Advisory Body is one of the mechanisms Guardian Home Support uses to involve individuals in developing, delivering, and evaluating the quality of funded aged care services. It provides valuable feedback about care services from individuals and their supporters.

Role of the Consumer Advisory Body

• Provide regular feedback to the governing body on issues and concerns faced by individuals.
• Engage the broader consumer base, allowing individuals to raise concerns about care quality.
• Contribute to policies, procedures, and practices that promote person-centred care.
• Support education and awareness initiatives to help individuals make informed decisions.
• Identify opportunities for worker education and training.
• Highlight issues with care quality and contribute to resolving them.
• Identify opportunities for continuous service improvement.

Relationship to Other Bodies

Governing Body

The Consumer Advisory Body operates independently but reports to the governing body, which retains final decision-making authority.

The Governing Body Must:

• Provide written opportunities at least annually to form Consumer Advisory Bodies.
• Consider all feedback and confirm in writing how it was used.
• Support operations (e.g. meetings, administration).
• Maintain relevant records.

The Governing Body May:

• Request ad-hoc feedback and input.

Quality Care Advisory Body

Collaborates closely with the Consumer Advisory Body, sharing reports and findings to support both functions.

Management

The Consumer Advisory Body is separate from Management and does not replace its responsibilities. It works collaboratively to support accountability and service quality.

Membership

Membership includes individuals receiving care services and their supporters, reflecting the diversity of Guardian Home Support’s user base.

Responsibilities

Chairperson

• Deliver reports to the governing body.
• Approve and circulate meeting agendas and schedules.
• Ensure effective operation of the Advisory Body.
• Act as the primary liaison with the governing body.

Management Representative

• Form the Advisory Body upon receiving member interest.

Members

• Contribute to the Advisory Body’s functions.
• Respect others’ input and opinions.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Follow direction from the Chairperson.

Appointment

Members are invited to join at least once per year. Each term lasts two years, with the option to re-nominate.

Functions

Meetings are held every six months at a time and location determined by the Chairperson.

Reporting

The Consumer Advisory Body provides regular feedback to the governing body as agreed or upon request.

Key findings and actions are shared with the wider community via the Guardian Home Support website.