Veteran Reference Group

A Network of Networks
The Centre functions as a “Network of Networks” made up of an Advisory Committee, community-based Reference Groups, and communities of practice where lived experience is valued as much as technical expertise.

The Centre is currently seeking applicants for its Reference Groups and Advisory Committee.
We are looking to establish four Reference Groups, comprised of:

• Veterans
• Family members of Veterans 
• Researchers on PTSD and related mental health conditions
• Service providers (i.e. psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, community workers, peer supporters, etc.) with expertise in PTSD and related mental health conditions

Reference Group responsibilities may include:

• Attending virtual or in-person meetings on a regular basis;
• Supporting the development, review, and dissemination of the Centre’s projects and initiatives;
• Incubating new ideas for future research or knowledge mobilization;
• Communicating on behalf of the Centre and serving as ambassadors at workshops, conferences, or other public events;
• Seeking input from other stakeholders on issues of importance to the reference group and Advisory Committee;
• Making connections with new stakeholders in Canada and internationally

How it works
The role of the Reference Group is to provide the Centre with strategic advice and expertise on specific initiatives and priority areas, while serving as ambassadors on behalf of the Centre at external events. The Reference Group operates under the authority of Centre Executive Leadership Team and has an advisory function only. The Reference Group(s) will make recommendations to the Centre’s Advisory Committee (through the Co-Chair), but decision-making remains the responsibility of the Centre Executive Leadership Team.

Each Reference Group will have a dedicated Chair, Vice Chair, and Co-chair. The Chair will hold a seat in the Centre’s Advisory Committee and will be responsible for bringing recommendations and advice from the Reference Group to the Centre’s organization-wide Advisory Committee. The Vice-Chair will also hold a seat in the Centre’s Advisory Committee and, in the Chair’s absence, may act for and serve as Chair. The Vice-Chair will be the successor to the Chair at the end of the Chair’s term. The Co-Chair (a senior Centre staff person) and Chair will work together, assisted by secretariat support from the Centre to keep the work on track.

Reference Group positions are voluntary. The Centre will cover applicable expenses related to participation in meetings, including reasonable and customary travel costs for in-person meetings, and, where applicable, an honorarium and/or stipend will be paid as compensation for time spent. Honorarium payment rates and travel compensation are outlined in a separate honorarium and travel policy document.

Reference Groups will be inclusive of diverse perspectives and backgrounds. In establishing membership of the groups, the Centre is seeking First Nations, Inuit, and Métis representation, geographic diversity, sexual and gender diversity, persons with disabilities, ethno-cultural and racialized diversity, and French-speaking Canadians. Lived experience with mental health problems or illnesses is a strong asset in the selection of new members.

This call for Reference Group members is open until September 14, 2020. The Centre will contact short-listed candidates for an interview in late September. The first meeting of the Reference Groups will take place in late Fall of 2020.

How to Apply:
There are two ways that you can apply:

• A clear statement about which reference group to which you are applying;
• A cover letter and current CV or resume with contact information;
• A one to two-page written summary of your experience as a Veteran; highlighting any experiences related to mental health problems or illnesses and how your identity/background and/or perspective can help inform the work of the Centre of Excellence on PTSD.

Veteran Reference Group
It is vital that Reference Groups be inclusive of diverse perspectives and backgrounds, and represent a range of lived experience with mental health conditions and/or trauma experience. In establishing membership of the groups, the Centre is seeking First Nations, Inuit, and Métis representation, sexual and gender diversity, persons with disabilities, ethno-cultural and racialized diversity, and French-speaking Canadians. Trauma is a strong asset in the selection of new members. We encourage applicants to self-identify as they feel comfortable in their written summary.

The Centre is committed to embedding the perspectives and preferences of Veterans in the work that it does, in order to help shape a mental health system that is reflective of the needs of Veterans. A Veteran-centered approach means that the voice and lived experience of Veterans is valued and recognized in the same way that we value research and academic expertise. In order to meaningfully engage the voice of Veterans in the work that we do, we are creating a Veteran Reference Group. This Reference Group creates a formal opportunity for Veterans to shape and provide input into the work of the Centre. We are seeking regular and reserve, and full and part-time service members who represent a diversity of ranks.

Additional Information
- Any information that you share as part of your application package will be stored on a secure server and will not be shared outside of the Centre of Excellence for PTSD and Related Mental Health Conditions.
- All questions related to this call for Reference Group members should be directed to Jessica.Trottier@TheRoyal.ca.
- Upon request, accommodations due to a disability are available throughout the recruitment process.
- The Centre sincerely thanks all applicants for their interest in participating in one of our Reference Groups; however, only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.​