Community Liaison Committee Guidelines

CLC Background

Boston University Medical Center (BUMC) has made an institutional commitment to community participation, education and outreach around the NEIDL, also known as the Boston Biosafety Laboratory. Enacted in January 2005 and housed at the Boston University Medical Campus, the charter for the NEIDL Institute outlines the governance structure for the facility going forward. Section VB of the Charter describes the Community Liaison Committee (CLC) that will be created to facilitate public participation in the activities of the Boston Biosafety Laboratory. Section VB states:

“Community support for and confidence in The Institute are important to the success of its missions. Sharing of information on the activities conducted at the Institute and provision of advice from the community will be the primary function of the Community Liaison Committee. The Committee will consist of 6 members. Three committee members will be appointed by the Provost of the Boston University Medical Campus and 3 will be appointed by the Chief Executive Officer of Boston Medical Center.”

CLC Purpose

The CLC will serve as an outreach and feedback mechanism to facilitate communication and information flow between the Institute and the community and to ensure transparency in the activities of the Boston Biosafety Laboratory.

CLC Roles and Responsibilities of Members

  • Share and distribute information to the community about the projects and activities of the National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories;
  • Assist the NEIDL leadership to ensure effective communication and collaboration on programs and activities involving the NEIDL and the Community;
  • Advise the Executive Committee on potential issues of concern involving the NEIDL and the community;
  • Assist the Executive Committee with development and planning of activities to promote collaboration, cooperation, and information exchange between the NEIDL and the community;

CLC Committee Structure

The CLC will meet quarterly. An Agenda Subcommittee will be created to identify topics for CLC meetings. Committee minutes will be submitted to the Executive Committee quarterly. CLC meetings will be staffed by a representative from BUMC. Staff will handle meeting logistics and other administrative matters and prepare minutes for review and subsequent distribution to the Executive Committee.

Terms of Appointment

The CLC will be comprised of six committee members that are not employed by Boston University or Boston Medical Center. Outreach efforts will be made to have an ethnically, racially and demographically diverse membership. Three committee members will be appointed by the Provost (“Provost”) of the Boston University Medical Campus. Three members will be appointed by the Chief Executive Officer of Boston Medical Center. Members will serve for a term of two years. Membership terms will be staggered.

Committee Appointment

Solicitations for nominations to the CLC will be through advertisements in community newspapers, posting on the biosafety laboratory website and mailings. The Provost of Boston University Medical Campus and the CEO of Boston Medical Center will each appoint three members to serve on the CLC. Interim vacancies will be filled in a similar manner.

Compensation

CLC members are volunteers and do not receive any remuneration.

March 2006 (rev.)