Transform consumer engagement in healthcare

Health Issues Centre has almost 40 years’ experience working to shape a more equitable health system based on the needs of everyday people. 

We have collated our insights and expertise into two innovative courses. These are the only nationally accredited courses in Consumer Leadership and Consumer and Community Engagement in Australia.

The courses are designed to provide practical knowledge and skills to health care professionals and consumers wishing to develop in their roles and grow their career opportunities.

Delivered on behalf of The Benchmarque Group (RTO 21824) as the Registered Training Organisation*, the courses align with and facilitate the implementation of the Australian Commission for Safety and Quality Healthcare Standard 2: Partnering with Consumers. 

The Graduate Certificate in Consumer and Community Engagement (10947NAT) is ideally suited to individuals working in roles involving consumer and community engagement in health and community services, not-for-profit organisations and local councils.

The Course in Consumer Leadership (10946NAT) is for consumers and community members engaged in these organisations as consumer representatives or advisors.

Both of these courses will support health services and other organisations to meet the process of accreditation. They are conducted at the Health Issues Centre’s Melbourne CBD training suites or nationwide by request. Contact training@hic.og.au for more information.

* Courses are delivered by expert Health Issues Centre trainers on behalf of The Benchmarque Group (RTO 21824). Students will enrol directly with The Benchmarque Group. Any award (Certificate or Statement of Attainment) you achieve will be issued by The Benchmarque Group.

What participants say

Thank you so much for your professionalism in providing such a well-run and informative course. The subjects covered and materials provided were excellent and I learnt a lot hearing the experiences of the other participants. I have gained a much deeper understanding of the breadth of consumer engagement and the role of a consumer representative. My aim in attending was to learn how to be a more effective consumer representative but I learnt so much more, not only from attending the three days but also by completing the assignments. I now feel more empowered and confident to contribute positively in my role.
Rhonda Richards, Consumer Representative, NEMICS
This kind of course and the way it is run sparks my initiative to stand up and voice how I think and feel about health care. There were many skills I acquired while completing the course which I have since utilised by engaging with my new representative role for people with disabilities.
Consumer representative, Tasmania
I feel more empowered now in my role. Also, I will talk to my organisation about induction process for new consumers representatives. I also see a need to engage more consumers as representatives and will raise this.
Consumer representative, Melbourne
This training course was one of the best I have encountered in my 77 years of life experience. I came to the course because it was available and because I thought the “certificate” may assist recognition by health organisations in my work as a consumer. By the end of Day 3, all my expectations had been surpassed and I really appreciated that the course placed me clearly in the domain of consumer leadership and caused me to see my future role differently.
Ray Newland, consumer representative, Western Health

What participants say

Thank you so much for your professionalism in providing such a well-run and informative course. The subjects covered and materials provided were excellent and I learnt a lot hearing the experiences of the other participants. I have gained a much deeper understanding of the breadth of consumer engagement and the role of a consumer representative. My aim in attending was to learn how to be a more effective consumer representative but I learnt so much more, not only from attending the three days but also by completing the assignments. I now feel more empowered and confident to contribute positively in my role.

Rhonda Richards, Consumer Representative, NEMICS

This kind of course and the way it is run sparks my initiative to stand up and voice how I think and feel about health care. There were many skills I acquired while completing the course which I have since utilised by engaging with my new representative role for people with disabilities.

Consumer representative, Tasmania

I feel more empowered now in my role. Also, I will talk to my organisation about induction process for new consumers representatives. I also see a need to engage more consumers as representatives and will raise this.

Consumer representative, Melbourne

This training course was one of the best I have encountered in my 77 years of life experience. I came to the course because it was available and because I thought the “certificate” may assist recognition by health organisations in my work as a consumer. By the end of Day 3, all my expectations had been surpassed and I really appreciated that the course placed me clearly in the domain of consumer leadership and caused me to see my future role differently.

Ray Newland, consumer representative, Western Health

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Resource Library

Find a range of FREE resources, including a Toolkit for Health Sector Staff that you can download here and a Toolkit for Consumer Advocates that you can download here.
See Resources