Community Advisory Panel

The work of the Community Advisory Panel is guided by the following principles:

• Lived experience is expertise.
• Dignity, respect, and inclusion.
• Transparency and accountability.
• Ensure the diverse views of the broader NF Community are heard.
• Cultural safety, equity, and accessibility.

• The CAP has 8-12 members.
• Members bring a range of lived experiences of NF (e.g. adults with NF, parents, carers, family members)
• Membership terms are two years.
• Members may apply for a second two-year term.
• If a member leaves, CTF may recruit a replacement.
• New expressions of interest may be opened when positions become available.

In scope

The Community Advisory Panel (CAP) may provide advice, feedback, and lived experience insight in the following areas:

• Program design and evaluation
• Support services and resources
• Advocacy priorities and submissions
• Communications
• Research engagement approaches
• Equity, access, and psychosocial safety
• Identifying gaps in services and support

Out of scope

The CAP does not have decision making authority in the following areas:

• Operational management
• Budget approvals
• Legal and fiduciary responsibilities
• Medical advice

Meetings will be held bi-monthly (6 times per year), online, via video conference, between 7.30-9pm (Eastern time) on the third Thursday of the month (approximately).

Papers and an agenda will be provided 5 days in advance of the meeting date. It is expected that Panel members have read all papers prior to the meeting. Minutes will be circulated within 5 business days post meeting.

What does membership involve?

Being a CAP member is a voluntary role. Members are expected to:

• Remain active – attending most CAP meetings is important.
• When unable to attend, advising that you are unable to attend is vital.
• Read meeting papers beforehand
• Share views and lived experience respectfully
• Listen to different perspectives
• Help identify issues affecting the NF community
• Maintain confidentiality
• Declare any conflicts of interest

Many members also choose to contribute to specific projects, consultations or working groups between meetings, but this is optional.

CAP Leadership Team

Chair

The Chair helps guide the Panel, facilitates meetings and represents the CAP in discussions with CTF.

Deputy Chair

The Deputy Chair supports the Chair and steps into the role when needed.

Secretary

The Secretary helps coordinate agendas, minutes and record keeping.

These leadership roles are elected by CAP members and help ensure the Panel operates effectively and that community recommendations are followed up.

Expressions of Interest

The Community Advisory Panel (CAP) is made up of members from across the NF community who contribute their lived experience to help guide the work of the Children's Tumour Foundation.

In line with the CAP Terms of Reference, Expressions of Interest (EOIs) may be opened from time to time to fill vacant positions on the Panel. Vacancies may arise when a member completes their term or chooses to step down from the CAP.

When EOIs are open, CTF will promote the opportunity through our website, email communications, social media channels and other community networks.

We encourage applications from people with a broad range of experiences and backgrounds who are passionate about improving outcomes for the NF community.