Governance

Series chair

A set of protocols in a specific anatomical area are structured into a series grouping or a 'protocol suite'. Each protocol suite reflects clinical groupings and includes: Breast, Cytology, Gastrointestinal, Genitourinary, Gynaecological, Head and Neck, Endocrine, Lung and Skin. Series chairs are apppointed to each protocol suite. Series chairs assist with the formation of cancer-specific expert panels (or authorship groups) who are responsible for the development of the cancer protocols. The Series chair engages with the Protocol lead authors in the series, and provides advice and support to the Structured Pathology Reporting of Cancer (SPRC) Steering Committee on matters relating to the specific anatomical series under development.

Protocol lead author

Each cancer-specific expert panel has a lead author to lead development of the protocol and engage with the protocol expert panel to make decisions on protocol content.

Expert panel

Expert panel members consist of a multidisciplinary group of expert histopathologists, clinicians and scientists who contribute to the development of the protocol.

Procedures for appointing/refreshing Series chairs, Protocol lead authors and expert panel members.

The Cancer Services Advisory Committee (CanSAC) provides leadership in the development, dissemination and preservation of a national structure for useable, evidence-based cancer pathology reporting standards and guidelines.

Interconnectivity to international bodies such as the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR), College of American Pathologists (CAP) and Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath) United Kingdom via ICCR membership is an integral part of the governance structure.

Incorporating:

• Round Table participants – 2007 and 2009
• Other stakeholders such as those on the notifications list
• College fellows

The key purpose in the creation of the National Stakeholder list is to ensure maximum coverage for information and feedback and to maintain an up-to-date contact list to target the correct people.

The Project Group provide guidance on the running of the project.

Membership

• Dr Marsali Newman, Anatomical Pathologist, Project Chair
• Dr David Andrews, RCPA CEO
• Prof James Kench, Anatomical Pathologist, ICCR
• A/Prof Chris Hemmings, Anatomical Pathologist
• Prof Priyanthi Kumarasinghe, Anatomical Pathologist
• Dr Christine Biondi, Cancer Australia
• Prof David Roder, Epidemiologist, Cancer Australia
• Dr Theresa Ly, Anatomical Pathologist, BPPQ representative
• Dr Amanda Charlton, Anatomical Pathologist
• Dr Caroline Cooper, Anatomical Pathologist
• Dr Travis Brown, Anatomical and General Pathologist
• Representatives from the Department of Health
• Vanessa White, RCPA Manager, Project Management Office
• Dr Christina Selinger, RCPA Project Officer, SPRC Project

Project group meetings are held as needed:

• To monitor project progress
• To review risks and issues
• To provide advice and direction to resolve issues

A subset of this group comprising the Project Chair and the RCPA Chief Executive Officer form the executive committee, who are empowered to make decisions relating to the project on a day to day basis.