About ASC

The Australian Stroke Coalition (ASC) was established by the Stroke Foundation and the Stroke Society of Australasia (SSA) on 11 July, 2008. The Coalition brings together representatives from groups and organisations working in the stroke field, such as clinical networks and professional associations/colleges. This group will work together to tackle agreed priorities to improve stroke care, reduce duplication amongst groups and strengthen the voice for stroke care at a national and state level.

ASC aims

The ASC provides a critical communication link between relevant organisations and their members regarding stroke care in Australia. The coalition aims are to:

  1. Identify and act on opportunities to work collectively in areas which are a priority for each of us
  2. Ensure there is effective communication to facilitate our individual and collective efforts.
  3. Identify and promote the adoption of effective, evidence based stroke service delivery models

Past and current priority areas for the ASC are:

  1. Rehabilitation
  2. Community (previously long-term recovery and support)
  3. Workforce, training and professional development
  4. Data and quality improvement

The ASC is chaired by a representative from the SSA and the Stroke Foundation, and meets face to face bi-annually.

ASC Terms of Reference April 2021

Who are we?

The Australian Stroke Coalition (ASC) is a coalition of organisations, networks and associations that contribute to the field of stroke care. The Coalition is co-convened by the Stroke Society of Australasia (SSA) and the Stroke Foundation (Stroke Foundation).

Why do we exist?

Stroke is a life threatening event which requires urgent and specialist health care responses. Each member organisation is working to improve care for people affected by stroke, often in the same way, or with the same aims as one another. The ASC provides a forum for organisations, networks and associations involved in all aspects of stroke care to work together to reduce duplication, share best practice and gain efficiencies in our work. By working collectively the ASC increases its ability to reduce the impact of stroke and use of resources in the most efficient way.

What do we want to achieve?

Through cooperation and collective effort, the ASC will contribute to initiatives that reduces the burden of stroke and provides the best possible outcome for the stroke community.

Aims

  • Identify and act on opportunities to work collectively in areas which are a priority for each of us including advocacy for evidenced based system improvement to improve stroke care.
  • Ensure there is effective communication to facilitate our individual and collective efforts.
  • Identify and promote the adoption of effective, evidence based stroke service delivery models.
  • Advocate and work to achieve the ASC’s data and quality vision, including opportunities to pursue both participation and funding.
  • Oversee adherence to AuSDaT policies and procedures, as part of a broader governance structure.

Membership

The ASC membership will include the Stroke Foundation, SSA, State Stroke Clinical networks and other national organisations that have a central role within stroke. The membership of the ASC will be representative of the stroke care continuum (see ASC membership list and criteria for membership in Appendix 1).

Note that ASC members are organisations and not the people within the organisation chosen to represent them.

Members will have one representative at each ASC meeting, with the exception of formal clinical networks who will be represented by the Network Chair and Manager.

Roles and Responsibilities

ASC Members

ASC members have the responsibility of nominating a representative to attend ASC meetings, and participate in working groups.

The representative will:

  • Provide a strong, representative voice for organisation which he/she represents.
  • Provide clear communication paths between the ASC and the organisation he/she represents.
  • Facilitate dissemination of information on relevant standards and policies of stroke care through the member organisation.
  • Actively participate in the collaborative efforts of the ASC, and ensure organisational commitment to ASC activities
  • Review data regarding current stroke care services in Australia.
  • Advise on and develop coordinated strategies related to priority areas.
  • Oversee special projects to improve stroke care in Australia, as appropriate.
  • Each representative is expected to assist in achieving the functions of the ASC through active contributions. In discussing issues, members will bring their expertise, decisiveness, focus on the future and good humour to bear.

ASC associate members (see Appendix 1) do not formally attend ASC meetings. They work in the field of stroke, may participate in working groups and receive information about ASC activities through newsletters and the website.

Term of Membership

It is the responsibility of the member organisation or network to determine the appropriate representative for the ASC. Membership is reviewed every 12 months with new memberorganisations considered on application. If a representative leaves the ASC then it is the responsibility of the member organisation to nominate a replacement.

Operations and funding

  • The ASC will have co-chairs from the Stroke Foundation and the SSA. The co-chairs of the ASC are responsible for the general organisation and direction of the coalition.
  • Secretariat support will be provided by the Stroke Foundation.
  • Travel to attend ASC meetings is provided by ASC member organisations who fund their representative’s travel. When funding is not possible, the Stroke Foundation will consider funding travel costs on a case by case basis.
  • The Stroke Foundation will fund venue and catering costs.
  • The ASC will have one face-to-face meeting per year and meet via teleconference twice a year.
  • A quorum for the ASC is defined as 50% of members plus one.

Executive

The ASC executive consists of 6 members from the Stroke Foundation and SSA.

The Executive assists with communication, coordination, and governance issues particularly in between ASC meetings.• The Executive will meet at least 3-4 times per year or as required.

Working Groups and Project Teams

  • Working groups and project teams will be established to progress the priorities of the ASC as required.
  • Each working group or project team will be chaired by a member of the ASC.
  • Working groups and project teams will report back to the full ASC on a quarterly basis.

Attendance

To ensure the ongoing management of core business there is an expectation that representatives from all member organisations will attend one meeting per year. Where this is not possible a proxy from the member organisation may attend.

Proxies

  • Each member will nominate a proxy reflecting the profile of the member who will attend in the representative’s absence.
  • Only the number of agreed representatives from each organisation will attend full ASC meetings.
  • People outside the ASC may be invited to participate in particular discussions on relevant issues by agreement of the ASC membership and/or the co-chairs.
  • Representatives are required to inform the ASC secretariat of their non-attendance at meetings prior to the meeting date.

Communication

  • Minutes of meetings will be sent out to ASC representatives and nominated proxies within 2 weeks of the meeting date. Dissemination of minutes and other relevant information to the organisations that they are representing will remain the responsibility of the ASC representatives.
  • A summary of the formal minutes will be distributed to members so they can communicate about ASC activities through their networks.
  • All other communication will occur in accordance with the ASC Communications Plan.

Declaration of conflict of interest

All members of the ASC are required to declare any conflict of interest at all times during their term on the coalition. Examples of conflicts of interest may include working with other non-government organisations, pharmaceutical industry, research collaborations, etc.

Confidentiality

During the term of ASC membership, the member will not reveal any confidential or proprietary information entrusted in the course of their duties. Upon cessation of membership, and thereafter, the member shall not reveal any confidential or proprietary information that they obtained while a member of the ASC, and they may not use or retain, or attempt to use or retain, any such information, documents or data.

Copyright

During membership, and thereafter, the member will respect the copyright of any information and resources developed under the auspices of the ASC as agreed by the full membership.

Intellectual Property

IP policies have been developed by the ASC. Please refer to the IP Policy paper for further details.

Appendix 1

Criteria for ASC membership

  • Criteria to be used for new members only.
  • The discipline has a key role in stroke care (special skills and knowledge in relation to stroke).
  • The organisation is active in stroke (i.e. they have a special interest group or similar).
  • The organisation must represent their profession at a national level (unless a state-based clinical network).
  • The organisation must have a champion with credentials in stroke.
  • The organisation must have access to a network to disseminate information.
  • The organisation must be already participating in a working group.

ASC Members

See members and associate members