Ontario Care Collective Committees

Committees are an important part of the Ontario Care Collective and provide members with an opportunity to share their expertise, collaborate with colleagues across the sector, and help shape the future direction of OCC.

Whether you are passionate about conference planning, sector-specific issues, advocacy, or strengthening services and supports, serving on a committee is a meaningful way to get involved and make an impact.

Please indicate the committee(s) you are interested in joining by completing the registration below. You may select more than one committee based on your interests and experience. Committee members will be contacted with additional information regarding meeting schedules, expectations, and opportunities to participate throughout the year.

We encourage members from all regions, roles, and levels of experience to get involved. Your voice, perspective, and contributions help strengthen our collective work to improve the delivery of quality care across Ontario.

Thank you for your interest in supporting the Ontario Care Collective through committee service. Together, we are stronger.

Purpose of Committees

The purpose of OCC committees is to engage members in meaningful collaboration, provide opportunities for sector leadership, and support the work of the Ontario Care Collective in advancing quality care across Ontario. Committees serve in an advisory capacity, offering expertise, insights, and recommendations to help inform OCC initiatives, programming, advocacy, and member engagement.

Objectives

The objectives of OCC committees are to:

• Provide a forum for members to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices.
• Identify emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities within the sector.
• Contribute ideas and recommendations to support OCC priorities and initiatives.
• Foster collaboration and relationship-building among members.
• Support advocacy efforts by providing sector-specific perspectives and expertise.
• Enhance member engagement and leadership opportunities within OCC.

Committee Structure

The following committees are established under the Ontario Care Collective:

• Conference Committee
• Developmental Services Committee
• Children's Residential (Group Care) Committee
• Staff Model Committee
• Foster Care Committee

Additional committees or working groups may be established by the OCC Board of Directors as needed.

Membership

Committee membership is open to employees of organizations that are current members in good standing with the Ontario Care Collective.

Committee participation should reflect a diversity of perspectives, experiences, and regions whenever possible.

Members may serve on more than one committee.

Roles and Responsibilities

Committee members are expected to:

• Attend and actively participate in committee meetings.
• Share their expertise, insights, and perspectives in a respectful and constructive manner.
• Review meeting materials in advance and contribute to discussions.
• Support the achievement of committee objectives and deliverables.
• Maintain confidentiality when sensitive information is shared.
• Act in the best interests of the Ontario Care Collective and the sector as a whole.
• Declare any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest.

Committee Leadership

Each committee will have a Chair or Co-Chairs appointed by the OCC Board of Directors or selected by committee members, as determined by the Board.

The Committee Chair(s) will:

• Facilitate committee meetings.
• Work with OCC staff to establish meeting agendas.
• Encourage participation and collaboration among committee members.
• Report committee activities and recommendations to the OCC Board of Directors, as appropriate.
• Support the advancement of committee priorities and initiatives.

OCC staff will provide administrative support to committees as required.

Meetings

• Committees will meet a minimum of quarterly, or more frequently as required.
• Meetings may be held virtually or in person.
• Meeting schedules will be established in consultation with committee members.
• Agendas and supporting materials will be distributed in advance whenever possible.

Decision-Making

Committees serve in an advisory capacity to the OCC Board of Directors.

Where recommendations are required, committees will strive to reach decisions through consensus. Where consensus cannot be achieved, differing viewpoints may be documented and shared with the Board.

Committees do not have the authority to make decisions or commitments on behalf of OCC unless expressly delegated by the Board.

Term of Service

Committee appointments will generally be for a one-year term and may be renewed annually.

Members may resign from a committee at any time by notifying the Committee Chair or OCC staff.

The OCC Board reserves the right to modify committee membership as necessary to support the effective functioning of committees.

Attendance

Committee members are encouraged to attend all scheduled meetings.

Members who are unable to participate regularly may be contacted to confirm their continued interest in serving to ensure active engagement and meaningful participation.

Confidentiality

Committee members may have access to confidential, sensitive, or privileged information through their participation. Members are expected to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion regarding information obtained through committee activities.

Review of Terms of Reference

These Terms of Reference will be reviewed periodically by the OCC Board of Directors and updated as required to ensure they continue to reflect the needs and priorities of the organization.

Appendix A: Committee Purpose Statements

Conference Committee

Supports the planning and delivery of OCC conferences and educational events by providing input on programming, speakers, attendee engagement, and event experiences.

Developmental Services Committee

Provides a forum to discuss issues, trends, and best practices relevant to developmental services and supports advocacy and collaboration within the sector.

Children's Residential (Group Care) Committee

Addresses matters impacting children's residential service providers, including operational challenges, sector developments, and opportunities to strengthen care.

Staff Model Committee

Brings together members operating staff-model programs to share knowledge, discuss workforce and operational issues, and identify innovative practices.

Foster Care Committee

Focuses on issues affecting foster care providers, foster families, and the children and youth they support, while contributing to sector advancement and advocacy.