Service Development
Service Advisory Group
"It is essential that we listen and learn from our clients living with epilepsy to gain an accurate understanding of their needs and the issues they face. This is critical to designing and delivering innovative and quality services for our clients."
Carol Ireland, CEO Epilepsy Action Australia
Epilepsy Action Australia’s many services are aimed at empowering people with epilepsy to live confidently despite seizures. The development of a Community
Consultation Framework which includes the Service Advisory Group (SAG) is an extension of this philosophy and values the input and active participation of clients. It also allows Epilepsy Action Australia (EAA) to fulfil its commitment to the key value ‘success requires us to listen and respond, constantly challenging ourselves to improve and innovate’.
An essential strategy for pursuing ‘best practice’ Consumer Consultation contributes to good governance and is a fundamental principle in both the National Disability Service Standards and the relevant State/Territory legislations
The Epilepsy Action Australia Service Advisory Group is made up of external representatives from a broad cross section of people living with epilepsy and aims to reflect the diverse range of client groups within the epilepsy sector. Drawing upon their personal experiences and those of the groups they represent, they provide advice and comment on the quality and appropriateness of current epilepsy service offerings, explore current issues impacting the lives of people with epilepsy and their families, and provide direct input into the future planning of EAA services.
The benefits of Community Consultation and the Service Advisory Group allow EAA’s decisions about services to be informed by the people accessing services. For clients it provides the opportunity to express views and provide real input into the decision making processes that affect them.
Membership is through an application and interview process after responding to calls for expression of interest. Potential members will be invited to join the group upon approval by the CEO after consideration of the balance of the representation of the current group and the following selection criteria:
- demonstrated interest in broad issues facing people with epilepsy and their families
- demonstrated links with other groups and individuals with epilepsy
- ability to provide accurate and fair representation of other people with epilepsy, as well as offering personal comment
Initially, commitment will be sought for a two year term. In order to balance the need for continuity with the need to maximize opportunities for client participation, approximately half of the group will turnover annually.
Quarterly meetings will usually take the form of a consultative workshop with an agenda that deals with specific issues either in person, via teleconference or videoconference. There may be occasions outside of these meetings when members may be invited to contribute comment on specific issues as required.
For further information please contact the Executive Assistant to the CEO on 1300 37 45 37.
