Become a CCAP Member
Your lived experience of a health issue can make a real difference. Join Bellberry’s Consumer and Community Advisory Panel (CCAP) and use your voice to help ensure scientific studies are designed to be inclusive, fair, and centred on participant welfare.
Express Your InterestWhat is the Consumer and Community Advisory Panel (CCAP)?
Our CCAP is designed to bring the voices and knowledge of participants and community members directly into clinical trial design, offering a lens that researchers alone often can’t provide.
The panel reviews study proposals and provides feedback at the design stage of human research studies, before they’re submitted for full ethical review by a Human Research Ethics Committee.
Researchers and sponsors use this feedback to shape their study proposal, helping ensure the participant perspective is included in research aims and objectives, design, recruitment strategy, and consent process.
You can learn more about our CCAP here,
(Ann Single video to go here)
Who can become a CCAP member
Consumer and Community Advisory Panel members are people with lived experience of a health issue — this can include patients, as well as their family, friends, or carers. The panel also requires a scientific advisor.
The panel brings together people with different experiences of disease, clinical trials and health research, so that a range of perspectives is represented. We welcome applications from across Australia and actively encourage diversity of background and experience.
Key skills and experience
- Mandatory: Personal experience of a particular illness or health issue, as a patient, carer, family member or close friend.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Good problem-solving abilities.
- Sound computer skills are helpful.
In addition, any of the following experience is valued:
- Previous experience in consumer engagement in health care.
- Previous involvement in committees or working parties.
- Previous involvement in clinical studies as a participant (i.e. as a patient).
What’s involved in CCAP membership
Bellberry CCAP membership is supported by Bellberry’s experienced management team and digital systems, offered to individuals from diverse backgrounds who bring thoughtful insight, professionalism, and integrity to the review process. CCAP members will be paid for their time.
As a panel member, you’ll review study protocols and study documents, considering the research question, methods and outcomes — then provide advice on whether they’re fair and appropriate for the people the study is designed for, from a participant’s point of view. Meetings are held on an ad-hoc basis dependent on the number of applications received.
Members are expected to work collaboratively and uphold the high standards of independence and care that underpin Bellberry’s reputation.
Bellberry provides an induction program and education for all members, including ongoing mentoring and training.
Key responsibilities
- Reviewing study protocols and relevant study material, and providing feedback in preparation for each CCAP review meeting.
- Contributing to the effective functioning of the Bellberry CCAP through active participation in review meetings.
- Completing any necessary background reading, training or seminars, and taking part in any other educational activities that support your role.
- Actively considering broader perspectives while being mindful of diversity and representation.
Apply to become a CCAP member
Membership is offered through an Expression of Interest process. Submitting an expression doesn’t guarantee a position, but your details will be reviewed and kept on file for future opportunities.
How to apply
- Thoroughly review the information on this page to ensure your eligibility.
- Complete the Expression of Interest form below and submit online, along with your CV (if relevant).
- If your expertise aligns with current needs, we’ll be in touch to discuss next steps.
For more information, call the CCAP Team on (08) 8361 3222 or email ccap@bellberry.com.au.
Expression of Interest form
Ready to apply for Bellberry CCAP membership? Complete our online form to register your interest in joining our panel.
Get answers to common queries
Thinking about becoming a CCAP member? These answers cover the questions we hear most often.
CCAP members are remunerated for their time and contribution.
Not necessarily. CCAP membership is built around lived experience, rather than formal qualifications. If you, or someone close to you, has experience as a patient, carer or family member affected by a health issue, that’s the most important thing you bring to the panel.
Bellberry provides an induction program for all new members, along with ongoing mentoring and training, so you’ll never be reviewing a study without support.
You’ll review study protocols and documents from a participant’s point of view, considering whether the research is fair, practical and designed with people like you in mind. You’ll provide feedback before studies go to full ethical review.
Meetings will be held dependent on the number of applications received – we expect meetings to be held monthly initially.
Still have questions? We’re here to help.
Browse our FAQs page or contact us for more guidance and detailed information.
Explore a career at Bellberry
Looking for other ways to get involved? Join our team of innovative and dedicated professionals committed to making a difference in Australian research ethics.
