Research Advisory Group. Terms of Reference June 2015
2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Background 3 2. Role of the Research Advisory Group 3 3. Responsibilities of the Research Advisory Group Chair 4 4. Responsibilities of Research Advisory Group Members 4 5. Membership...5 6. Quorum and Decision-making...6 7. Frequency of Meetings...6 8. Agenda, Minutes, and Decision Papers...6 9. Working methods...6
3 1. Background The Research Advisory Group (RAG) is representative of a wide range of stakeholders with an interest in promoting and supporting child care and related research including service users, academic institutions, regulatory bodies, professional associations and research institutions. The RAG provides independent expert advice to Tusla on identifying and prioritising research topics. Its input helps to enhance the quality of both the research process and the research findings through eliciting a broad spectrum of experiences and views. RAG members are experts in their area and are well placed to recognise emerging research ideas and opportunities across all of the Tusla remit and to provide advice regarding the research implications of a range of strategic child care and policy issues. 2. Role of the Advisory Group To provide expert, independent advice on the undertaking or commissioning of research regarding the statutory functions of Tusla: - to support and promote the development, welfare and protection of children, - to support and encourage the effective functioning of families; - to provide for the protection and care of children in circumstances where their parents have not given, or are unlikely to be able to give, adequate protection and care. To identify possible priority areas for research based on: - available evidence on the impacts and outcomes of services; - gaps in research; - emerging areas of research; - international best practice in child care and related services. To develop, promote and support interdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary research, including identifying cross-cutting research themes and priorities. To advise on Tusla s strategic approach to the commissioning of internally and externally funded research. To identify possible research partnership models and potential partnerships for research. To promote a sustainable and systemic cross sectoral research approach into the work done by government and non-government agencies that provide child care and related services.
4 3. Responsibilities of the Research Advisory Group Chair The responsibilities of the Chair are as follows: Sets the agenda for each meeting; Ensures that agendas and supporting materials are delivered to members in advance of meetings; Makes the purpose of each meeting clear to members and explains the agenda at the beginning of each meeting; Clarifies and summarises what is happening throughout each meeting; Keeps the meeting moving by putting time limits on each agenda items and keeping all meetings to two hours or less; Encourages broad participation from members in discussion by calling on different people; Ends each meeting with a summary of decisions and assignments. Should the Chair be unable to attend a meeting, the Deputy Chair will carry responsibility for the meeting. 4. Responsibilities of Research Advisory Group Members Individual Steering Committee members have the following responsibilities: Understand the goals, objectives, and desired outcomes of the Research Advisory Group; Understand and represent the interests of Tusla service users and stakeholders; Take a genuine interest in the project s outcomes and overall success; Act on opportunities to communicate positively about the work of the Group; Actively participate in meetings through attendance, discussion, and review of minutes, papers and other Advisory Group documents; Support open discussion and debate, and encourage fellow Advisory Group members to voice their insights.
5 5. Membership: Membership of the Research Advisory Group is by invitation of the Tusla Chief Executive and will not exceed 12 members. The Term of Membership is 2 years which can be extended by agreement with the Chief Executive. External members travel and subsistence expenses will be reimbursed. The table below lists the membership of the Steering Committee. Tusla: Chair Tusla: Board Member Organisation Title Name Tusla: Research specialist Tusla: Experienced practitioner Tusla: Experienced practitioner Academic institution: Social Work / Social Care / Psychology Academic institution: Education Academic institution: International DCYA: Research Division Research body: Advocacy: Other: Quorum 6. Quorum and Decision-making
6 A minimum number of 8 Advisory Group members are required for decision-making purposes. Decision-making Process The overall role of the Advisory Group is to provide expert advice to Tusla. The Advisory Group will use a consensus approach to formulate recommendations (a majority approve a given course of action, but that the minority agrees to go along with the course of action, potentially with some modifications). 7. Frequency of Meetings Advisory Group meetings are held normally on a bi-annual basis. However the Group may decide to meet more frequently as required. 8. Agenda, Minutes, and Decision Papers A package will be sent to members three to five business days in advance of an Advisory Group meeting. This package will include the following: Agenda for upcoming meeting; Minutes of previous meeting; Any other documents/information to be considered at the meeting. 9. Working methods The work of the Advisory Group will mainly be carried out in a symposium style characterised by an openly discursive format. Formal presentations by members will be featured followed by facilitated discussion sometimes in a workshop format. Recommendations of the Advisory Group will be communicated to the Tusla Chief Executive and may be published on the Tusla website.