Consumer Advisory Steering Group

The Mercy Perinatal Consumer Advisory Steering Group is comprised of researchers, clinicians and consumers with lived experience of planning, current or previous, pregnancy. The CASG will be responsible for coordinating, directing and developing the consumer roles in Mercy Perinatal’s research, care and education agenda. 

Apply to join our CASG

Applications are now open for 3 consumers who have a lived experience of planning, current or previous, pregnancy (as a patient or family member/friend); and who have experience as consumer advisors. 

The CASG will meet bi-monthly in 2025, for approximately 1 hour per meeting. 

As a team the CASG will aim to: 

• represent and advocate for the community,
• advise Mercy Perinatal and the Advisory Committee about patient and community views on Mercy Perinatal’s clinical service development, education and research, and provide insight into the experience of patients, their families and carers at Mercy Perinatal,
• define and develop consumer roles, engaging across diverse communities and stakeholders,
• recruit consumers to the Mercy Perinatal consumer network, who may participate in focus groups, discussion forums regarding research themes and other Mercy Perinatal initiatives
• oversee training, remuneration and support for consumers participating in focus groups/ research.

Roles and Responsibilities of the CASG: 

• Adhere to Mercy Health Codes of Conduct, Equity & Inclusion, Privacy & Confidentiality Policies
• Be mindful of diversity and representation, actively considering the perspectives of those outside of your own lived experience and diaspora.
• Consider all engagement activities from the point of view of addressing the needs of the people who use Mercy Health services, from their ability to understand and participate in their own care and in contributing to the planning, design and governance of services provided.
• Be part of the co-creation of a safe environment, where all CASG members feel they can share their thoughts and experiences, communicating clearly and respectfully anyone you engage.
• Contribute to the strategic planning of consumer engagement at Mercy Perinatal.
• Develop strategies to nurture consumer engagement at Mercy Perinatal.
• Share your experience and perspective/s to ensure our services meet the needs of people accessing them, and facilitate the consultation of other consumers where needed.
• Actively participate in meetings, through conversations and preparatory work e.g., readings or seminars.
• Maintain confidentiality of documents, correspondence and decisions relating to the steering group.
• Ask questions, seek clarification and support to help you undertake the role.
• Follow up any agreed actions in a timely manner.
• Assist with tasks and projects as is reasonably requested. 

Successful member of the CASG will have the following Experience/Qualifications: 

Essential Criteria

• Lived experience of planning, current or previous pregnancy, pregnancy (as a patient or family member/ friend).
• Ability to consider things and communicate from the point of view of a consumer.
• Ability to provide working recommendations, with consideration of the large number of stakeholders.
• Ability to show empathy for those on the steering group, creating a safe environment.
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Current Police Check, Working with Children Check and References 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills - including group discussion and oral presentations. 

Desirable

• Previous experience as a consumer representation/advocate in the health field.
• Previous involvement in committees or working groups
• Previous experience with strategic planning, governance and multidisciplinary stakeholders.
• Proof of immunisation and COVID-19 Vaccinations (if required).

For further information please view our Terms of Reference, Role Description and Expression of Information below. 

To apply now please fill out this form (approx. 10 minutes). You will be asked to supply a cover letter and resume. 

Mercy Perinatal CASG Role Description

Mercy Perinatal CASG EOI

Mercy Perinatal CASG Terms Of Reference

Meeting Information Mercy Perinatal CASG 

For any questions please contact Isabella Preston via mercyperinatal@mercy.com.au

Current Members

We are grateful to have the diverse experience and expertise of our current Consumer Advisory Steering Group members.