Table of Contents

Appendix: Advisory committee assessment

To ensure your advisory committee is both meeting statutory requirements and operating effectively/productively, ask these key questions:

• Does the advisory committee have at least five members?
• Are the members broadly representative of the community and health care providers?
• Is there a clear process for selecting members and assuring representation?
• Does the advisory committee meet at least three times a year?
• Does it have written bylaws or operating procedures?
• Are its responsibilities and authority clearly stated?
• Does it have a clear charge or purpose?
• Is an annual review of the charge provided for all members?
• Does the charge include advising and making recommendations to the community health board?
• Are the roles of staff in relation to the advisory committee clearly defined?
• Is an orientation provided for new members?
• Is adequate and ongoing education provided so that the advisory committee has an increasing capacity to analyze issues and make recommendations?
• Is the advisory committee given enough information so that they can provide sound advice and recommendations?
• Does the advisory committee have a chair that effectively leads them in achieving their charge?
• Does the advisory committee provide advice based on the community good (versus narrow or special interests)?
• Is the special knowledge or expertise of advisory committee members used well?
• Are members free to speak out?
• Is the advisory committee informed of subsequent community health board action?
• Do they coordinate, or are they at least informed of, other health advisory committees functioning under the community health board?