Monash Partners Comprehensive Cancer Consortium (MPCCC) Advisory GroupInformation for Cancer Consumer and Community Representatives

This document offers some background about the Monash Partners Comprehensive Cancer Consortium (MPCCC) and its newly formed Advisory Group, so that you know what will be involved in participating as a Cancer Consumer and Community representative.

The MPCCC is a strategic alliance of health service and research organisations working in partnership to improve outcomes for people affected by cancer. Central to the MPCCC’s work is development of patient-centric, cancer research and service improvement programs aimed at building capability and capacity to deliver excellent outcomes to cancer patients treated across south-eastern Victoria. Funded by the Victorian government, the MPCCC contributes to the delivery of the Victorian cancer strategy and is founded on the principles of innovation, collaboration, equity, engagement, quality and value. You can find out more about the MPCCC and its current programs of work including the Precision Medicine Program, Innovative models of shared-care, Real time collection of PROMS and PREMS and a Monash -Gippsland pilot of tele-trials, by visiting our website (www.monashpartnersccc.org).

The MPCCC Advisory Group will include around 60 members representing a multidisciplinary collection of scientists, health professionals, cancer consumers and community representatives with expertise in cancer research and care, from across MPCCC partner organisations. With leadership from the MPCCC Executive team, the Advisory Group will help to inform and prioritise new opportunities for collaborative cancer research and service improvement programs, and facilitate participation. A copy of the MPCCC Advisory Group Terms of Reference follows as Appendix 1 and provides further information.

The commitment: Whilst the impact of our collective efforts will be great, your personal time commitment will be small, with three meetings anticipated throughout the year. Dates and venue information for these meetings will be emailed to you well in advance of the meetings. Additional specialty working groups may arise around key initiatives, and you will have the option to participate in these also if they are aligned with your interests and expertise. A description of the role of the Cancer Consumer and Community members follows as Appendix 2 and provides further information.

Member selection process: Cancer Consumer and Community (CCAC) representatives will be invited to complete a brief Expression of Interest form to help us understand your lived experience of cancer and also your experience as a CCAC representative, if any. This form is available online here, or as a Word document following as Appendix 3. The MPCCC is keen to ensure CCAC members can contribute perspectives of various types of cancer, age groups, gender and ethnic backgrounds, and will select representatives accordingly.

Training and Support: Monash Partners’ cancer and community involvement team will ensure CCAC representatives appointed to the MPCCC Advisory Group are orientated in preparation for this role and may offer access to supportive training modules if required. This team is available to help at any time throughout your appointment, and can address any ongoing requirements, questions or concerns you may have in a safe and sensitive manner. For matters related to progressing the business of the Advisory Group, the Chief Operating Officer, MPCCC is available to support you.

Remuneration: MPCCC does not have budget to support sitting fees, however we can arrange reimbursement for any out-of-pocket expenses like parking or public transport if receipts are provided.

APPENDIX 1

MPCCC Advisory GroupTerms of Reference September 2020

Background, Structure and PurposeThe Monash Partners Comprehensive Cancer Consortium (MPCCC) is a strategic alliance of health service and research organisations working in partnership to improve cancer outcomes through integrated, collaborative and innovative research, service improvement and clinical care programs.

The clinical partners of MPCCC are Alfred Health, Cabrini Health, Eastern Health, Epworth Healthcare, Monash Health and Peninsula Health. Our research partners are Monash University and the Hudson Institute of Medical Research. The Southern Melbourne Integrated Cancer Service (SMICS) provides the mechanism to identify clinical and service improvement needs and to translate research into practice. Collectively the MPCCC partnership is acknowledged as the Cancer and Blood Diseases (C+BD) Theme of the Monash Partners Academic Health Science Centre (Monash Partners).

The MPCCC Governance Group is representative of the participating partner organisations, and provides a mechanism for effective leadership and vision for the ongoing development of MPCCC. It ensures alignment of the MPCCC’s research and service improvement agendas and oversees the research and service improvement projects delivered by the MPCCC. The MPCCC governance group reports to Monash Partners Council and also to the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services.

The MPCCC Executive is responsible for enacting the strategic direction of MPCCC and will link with Monash Partners, the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC) and others to ensure strategic platforms and initiatives benefit the cancer agenda. The MPCCC Executive will help facilitate the development of a strategic plan, annual work plans and budgets and ensure appropriate

administration and delivery of the agreed MPCCC program of work, including both research and service improvement programs.

The MPCCC Advisory Group membership reflects the various research and service strengths and disciplines of the MPCCC, cancer consumers and the community. It provides forward thinking insight to the MPCCC agenda to assist with identifying regional cancer priorities and programs and provides a collaborative framework from which these activities can occur.

Role and ResponsibilitiesThe MPCCC Advisory Group is responsible for:

i. informing a strategic plan for the MPCCC

ii. identifying and prioritising potential region-wide cancer research and service improvement projects, programs and initiatives

iii. informing and facilitating new collaborations across the MPCCC network

iv. informing and facilitating linkages across cancer research and service improvement projects, programs and platforms

v. contributing collaboratively to the development of new cancer programs and initiatives;

vi. communicating information that is of significance to a regional cancer agenda;

vii. considering any major hurdles or problems brought to their attention by the membership, and contributing to proposed options for solutions;

Advisory Group Membership

The Advisory Group will comprise of:

MPCCC Executive team Research Director, MPCCC Clinical Director, MPCCC MPCCC Representative, Monash Partners Clinical Director(s), SMICS Workforce and Education Director Health service representative Chief Operating Officer, MPCCC Manager, SMICS Chair, MPCCC Advisory Group

Cancer Consumer and Community representatives (3-5)

Partner representatives Each partner organisation participating in the MPCCC’s strategic may nominate up to five members.

Generally a Professor and/or Head of Department these representatives are to reflect the research and clinical strengths of the MPCCC and the multidisciplinary skill-sets necessary to drive and influence broad site-specific participation in the MPCCC’s collaborative research programs. Desirable skill sets include:

Oncology representative(s) with active clinical trials interests Haematology representative(s) with active clinical trials interests Radiotherapy representatives Surgical representatives Nursing and Allied Health representatives Palliative care representatives Psycho-oncology representatives Biomedical research representatives Epidemiology research representatives

Appointment Processes

Chair A Chair will be nominated from within the MPCCC Advisory Committee and will also hold a seat on the MPCCC Executive Committee. The Chair position will be reviewed every two years.

Professional representativesMembers representing various research and clinical disciplines are to be nominated by the participating partner CEO’s. If it is apparent that certain skill sets are under-represented, the MPCCC Executive may nominate suitable candidates to fill the position(s).

Cancer Consumer and Community representativesMPCCC will work with reputable consumer and community organisations and platforms to invite expressions of interest from cancer consumer and community representatives. Selection will take into consideration representation of various types of cancers, age groups, gender and ethnic backgrounds.

Term of MembershipEach member’s appointment shall be reviewed by the committee after a term of three years served.

Meeting frequency and schedulingThe Advisory Group will meet in whatever manner is appropriate, with an expectation of a minimum of two meetings per year. From time to time, ad-hoc meetings may be scheduled in order to achieve the strategic objectives of the MPCCC.

Quorum Thirty percent of the voting membership shall constitute a meeting quorum. If a quorum is not achieved the meeting is to be rescheduled to an alternate date within one month of the deferred meeting.

AbsenteeismWhilst it is acknowledged that from time to time members will be unable to attend the scheduled meetings, continual absenteeism has implications for both the partner organisation and/or relevant discipline. If a member does not attend three meetings sequentially, the Committee may suggest that an alternate member be appointed.

Reporting The MPCCC Advisory Group will work collaboratively with the MPCCC Executive, but has no specific reporting responsibilities.

APPENDIX 2

MPCCC Advisory GroupCancer Consumer and Community Representative - Role Description

Position Title:Cancer Consumer and Community Representative, MPCCC Advisory Group

Location: Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton

End of Tenure Date:

One year from commencement date (renewable for a further two years)

Key Relationships:

SupportConsumer and Community Involvement team, Monash Partners

Chief Operating Officer, MPCCC

Advisory Group

Chair, Advisory Group, MPCCC

Cancer Consumer and Community peers

Cancer health professionals, scientific researchers and academics from across the Monash Partnership

POSITION PURPOSECancer Consumer and Community (CCAC) representatives are an integral part of the MPCCC Advisory Group. Members appointed to this role will work collegiately with their CCAC peers, cancer health professionals, scientific researchers and academics to inform, prioritise and evaluate cancer research and cancer service improvement initiatives across the Monash Partnership. CCAC members are responsible for advocating on behalf of people with cancer by providing insight to patient and community perspectives, experiences and values.

The MPCCC Advisory Group Terms of Reference is an important document to accompany this role description.

CONTEXTThe Monash Partners Comprehensive Cancer Consortium (MPCCC) is a strategic alliance of health service and research organisations working in partnership to improve cancer outcomes through integrated, collaborative and innovative research, service improvement and clinical care programs.

The clinical partners of MPCCC are Alfred Health, Cabrini Health, Eastern Health, Epworth Healthcare, Monash Health and Peninsula Health. Our research partners are Monash University and the Hudson Institute of Medical Research. The Southern Melbourne Integrated Cancer Service (SMICS) together with other regional Victorian Integrated Cancer Services, provide the mechanism to identify clinical and service improvement needs and to translate research into practice. Collectively, the MPCCC is acknowledged as the Cancer and Blood Diseases Theme of Monash Partners.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Attend and actively participate in scheduled meetings of the MPCCC Advisory Group Represent the views and experiences of people who are affected by cancer, including

patients, families and other members of the community Be conscious of issues of diversity and actively consider and represent broader views (this

may extend to identifying key questions to be answered or population groups whose needs and interests require further understanding/exploration)

Prepare for meetings by reading and responding to all background material in a timely manner, to support full and active participation in this role

Communicate with the MPCCC Executive team, and specifically the MPCCC Chief Operating Officer, who will support CCAC representatives in this role.

Participate in sub-committees or working groups that may form to progress the business of the MPCCC Advisory Group

Other Requirements Participate in the evaluation of consumer engagement and experience (for example

occasional interviews or questionnaires to provide feedback on the experience and offer insight to improvements that could be made)

SELECTION CRITERIA:

Experience A personal experience of cancer as a patient, a person who has cared for another with

cancer, or a family member or friend

Desirable Experience Previous experience as a consumer representative/advocate in the cancer or health field Previous involvement in committees or working parties

Skills Understanding of committee processes and key governance principles and practice Well-developed written and oral communication skills Ability to work within a team environment

QualificationsA diversity of professional and ethnic backgrounds and education levels will be sought for the CCAC membership of the MPCCC’s Advisory Group to reflect the wider community affected by cancer.

The Person The following personal characteristics will be highly valued in CCAC members of the MPCCC Advisory Group:

Leadership qualities Persuasive, with the ability to positively influence others and build consensus Accepting and respectful of diversity

Confident in contributing to large group discussions Comfortable in collaborating with others, including professional members of the group Innovative and adaptable in the face of a broad and dynamic agenda Willing to provide feedback, share knowledge and support others

EQUITY & INCLUSION:The MPCCC values diversity and uses a range of methods to proactively seek to hear the voices of those who are under-represented in our consumer engagement work. This extends to diversity of cancer experiences, life experiences, age, culture, language, literacy and area of residence.

The MPCCC is committed to providing a workplace free from all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, bullying, vilification and victimisation. Decisions on employment, engagement, promotion and reward are made on the basis of merit. We are committed to all aspects of equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and to providing all staff, contractors, appointees, volunteers and partners with a safe, respectful and rewarding environment.

TERM:This role is for an initial twelve month term with the opportunity for renewal in accordance with CCAC needs and status of committee membership at the time.

REVIEW PERIOD:A six-month review period will be in place for each CCAC member appointment. At six-months post-appointment, the CCAC member will meet with the CCAC support team to discuss their experience, suitability, the role and/or supports required.

APPENDIX 3MPCCC Advisory Group - – Expression of Interest Form

Cancer Consumer and Community Representative

Contact Information

Full namePostal address

Phone numberMobileEmail addressHow would you prefer we contact you? ☐ Email ☐ Mobile

☐ Home Phone ☐ PostPersonal DetailsGender IdentificationAge range ☐0-20

☐21-40☐41-60☐61 and over

Are you currently in the workforce? If yes what is your occupation?If you responded yes to the previous question, are you available to attend meetings during working hours?

☐ Yes (please note available days and times)☐No

Do you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander?

☐ Yes ☐ No

Do you identify as a Culturally and/or Linguistically Diverse background?

☐ Yes Please specify:☐ No

Your Experience Which applies to your experience of cancer? Please marking X on all that apply

☐ I am a patient☐ I am a former patient☐ I am a carer☐ I have been both patient and carer

What type of cancer(s) have you experience of?Have you received training as a consumer and community representative? If so, when and from which organisation?Have you experience as a consumer and community representative? If so please describe this brieflyHave you experience of participating in a clinical trial or other associated research project?Have you experience of working with

committees and or working groups? If so please describe briefly.Is there any other expertise or experience you would like us to know about?What interests you about being a member the MPCCC Advisory Committee?

If you have any questions, please contact Anna Kilgour, Chief Operating Officer, MPCCC on 0407 834 746Return your completed form to: anna.kilgour@monash.edu by 16 October 2020