Terms of reference

Name of group:

Title: Terms of reference (followed by date terms of reference written / revised)

Purpose / role of the group: for example

• what is the broad purpose / role of the group?
• when was the group established and by whom?
• what are the aims / responsibilities of the group?

Membership: for example

• who is membership of the group open to?
• are there any restrictions on numbers?
• are patient / public members involved?
• are any representatives from other organisations included?
• how long is the period of membership and can it be extended?

Accountability: for example

• are individual group members responsible for reporting back on activities of the group and if so to whom?

Review: for example

• how often will the group review the relevance and value of its work and the terms of reference?

Working methods / ways of working: for example

• what method / approach to working will you adopt (for example a shared learning approach)?
• will any sub groups be convened?
• what will your chosen working method involve in practical terms, for example with reference to:

meetings for example

• how many meetings will be held each year and where will they be held?
• who will organise and chair the meetings?
• how will topics for the agenda be generated?
• how and when will meeting papers be circulated?
• what will the format of meetings be, for example will they include small group discussions?
• will non-members be invited to group meetings and if so, under what circumstances?
• who will provide secretariat for the group?

sharing of information and resources (including confidential materials) for example

• how will group members share information and resources?
• how will confidential materials and copyright issues be identified and dealt with?
• will there be a web space for the group and if so, will it be password protected and who will be responsible for facilitating it?

Definition of terms

• provide definitions of any key terms.