LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing research network 
Steering Committee Terms of Reference 
Adopted: 27 May 2021  

Summary 

LGBTIQ+ Health Australia (LHA) established the Steering Committee for practical and strategic advice in developing an effective and sustainable LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing research network. 

LHA is establishing the LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing research network to ensure: 

• Researchers and research organisations working in the LGBTIQ+ sector are connected. 
• Existing LGBTIQ+ research can be readily located through a centralised online resource. 
• Quality and appropriate research for LGBTIQ communities is supported, with coordination to fill gaps, minimise duplication, strengthen findings. 
• An authoritative voice for LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing research is established which contributes to the development of evidence-based policy and good practice. 

Role/Purpose 

The steering committee may provide LGBTIQ+ Health Australia with strategic direction and advice on all aspects of the LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing research network, including: 

1. Building an effective network of relevant research, researchers and research organisations. 
2. The nature of on-line and/or off-line tools and forums to support the network. 
3. Undertaking promotions and media. 
4. Developing a long-term governance framework for ongoing sustainability, including funding. 

 It is anticipated that steering committee members may host the networking forums and play a lead role promoting the network. 

 LHA is ultimately responsible for the successful delivery of the project and maximising its benefits. 

Membership 

 Membership of the Steering Committee aims to include a broad base of researchers: 

• Providing geographic spread across Australia. 
• Reflecting the range of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer + research. 
• Incorporating a range of key intersections for the areas of sex characteristics, gender identity and sexual orientation, as well as ageing, Aboriginality, disability, CALD, asylum seekers and refugees, young people and socio-economic status. 
• Covering a diversity of research experience and organisations, especially community based. 
• Prioritising leading researchers and research organisation with a strategic view. 
• Including LGBTIQ+ Health Australia representation. 

The Steering Committee will include approximately ten members to balance need for diversity with a practical working size. Numbers may be varied as required. 

LHA will maintain a list of Steering Group members and may update membership in line with these objectives following consultation with the current Steering Committee membership.  

Responsibilities 

Steering Committee members commit to: 

• preparing for, attending and participating in scheduled meetings wherever possible to maintain continuity and consistency 
• maintaining focus on the agreed scope, outcomes and benefits of the Network 
• open and honest discussions 
• fostering collaboration and unity  
• championing the development of the Network 
• making timely decisions and taking action so as to not hold up agreed actions 
• monitoring and managing factors outside the Committee’s control that are critical to the Network’s success 
• notifying members of the Committee as soon as practical if any matter arises that may affect the development and success of the Network 
• Protecting confidential and sensitive information or documents received from the LHA or members of the Steering Committee and research network. 
• Disclosing any conflicts of interest and working with LHA to manage or resolve the conflict. 

Meetings 

• The Steering Committee may meet as often as required with regular meetings scheduled approximately six-weekly via Zoom. It is likely that meetings will occur less frequently as the project progresses. 
• LAH will set agendas based on project needs and input from the Steering Committee. 
• The Steering Committee may nominate one of its members to chair meetings. In the absence of a chair nominated by the Committee, an LHA representative will chair the meetings. 
• A meeting quorum will be 50 per cent of members. 
• Decisions will made by consensus (i.e. members are satisfied with the decision even though it may not be their first choice). If not possible, the chair will make a final decision. 
• LHA will prepare and circulate agendas and supporting papers, prepare notes and support the operation of the committee. 
• Subgroup meetings may be arranged at a time convenient to subgroup members via Zoom and coordinated by LHA. 

Term 

The Steering Committee and these Terms of Reference are initially operation from 1 February 2021 until 31 January 2022.  

Amendment, Modification or Variation 

This Terms of Reference may be amended, varied or modified after consultation and agreement by Steering Committee members.