The Consumers Leading in Governance (CLIG) Program supports lived and living experience consumer leaders to build the confidence, skills, and knowledge needed to meaningfully participate in governance and decision-making across Victoria’s mental health sector.
Developed by VMIAC and first piloted in 2022, CLIG was created in response to the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, which emphasised the critical role of lived experience voices in shaping governance, policy, and system reform. Since then, the program has continued to evolve, building strong foundations through multiple delivery rounds and sector partnerships.
With continued funding from the Victorian Department of Health, CLIG 2026 represents a consolidation of learning, partnerships, and outcomes developed over previous years—strengthening pathways for consumer leaders to influence governance and drive systemic change.
Program Highlights
In 2026, VMIAC will continue to deliver CLIG in partnership with the Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA). The program offers a structured blend of governance theory, consumer-led learning, and real-world exposure to governance environments. CLIG 2026 follows a three-part model:
Nationally Recognised Governance Training
Participants complete ICDA’s self-paced Certified Community Director course, covering key governance and leadership topics. This flexible online learning must be completed prior to the placement period.
Consumer-Led Training Modules
VMIAC coordinates a series of facilitated sessions focused on:
- Consumer Perspective, exploring the consumer movement, leadership, and alternatives to biomedical models
- Indigenous Governance, including First Peoples’ governance principles, two-way governance, and cultural safety
- Human Rights, examining mental health law, governance responsibilities, and opportunities within the reformed system
Governance Placement Experience
Participants are matched with partner organisations across the community services and mental health sectors, attending board and/or sub-committee meetings as observers. Placements are supported through mentoring and structured reflection, providing valuable insight into real-world governance practice.
Together, these elements support participants to deepen their understanding of governance principles, strengthen their leadership practice, and build confidence engaging in decision-making spaces.
Upon successful completion, participants receive the Certified Community Director micro-credential, supporting their ongoing governance and leadership pathways.
Program Timeline
| Date | Program stage | What’s happening |
| 6 February 2026 | Applications open | Expressions of interest open for CLIG 2026 |
| 22 February 2026 | Applications close | EOIs close |
| 23 February – 23 March 2026 | Selection process | Shortlisting and 30 minute online interviews |
| 27 March 2026 | Outcomes | Applicants notified of selection outcomes |
| 21 April 2026 | Program launch | Program launch event and delivery of the Human Rights module |
| 22 April – 22 May 2026 | Governance training | Completion of ICDA self-paced Certified Community Director course (7 units) |
| 12 May 2026 | Training module | Indigenous Governance module (online, half-day) |
| 26 May 2026 | Mid-program event | Consumer Perspective module and meet & greet with placement hosts and mentors |
| 1 June – 31 October | Governance placement | Participants attend a minimum of three board and/or sub-committee meetings |
| November 2026 | Program completion | End of program celebration event and certificate presentation |
Program testimonials
If you’re interested in smashing the lived experience workforce ceiling, I would recommend this program. It’s given me a solid foundation in governance principles, the opportunity to put them into practice and the collective support of my fellow participants… My biggest surprise was the mutual learning that took place – this experience confirmed that there is a place for lived expertise in the boardroom. I look forward to the day when every mental health organisation, whether operating in policy, research, advocacy, education or service provision, has at least 2 consumer-designated roles on their governance bodies – 2025 CLIG participant
This program has reinforced for me that consumer leadership belongs at the governance table, not as a token presence, but as an essential voice. I leave with strengthened skills, renewed purpose, and a deep appreciation for the collective power of consumers leading change… My placement on the HACSU Board was a particularly valuable part of the program. I am deeply grateful to Rebecca Sprekos and Paul Healey for their mentorship, generosity, and support throughout my placement and broader learning journey. Their guidance created a genuinely reciprocal learning environment and demonstrated what meaningful consumer inclusion in governance can look like in practice – 2025 CLIG participant
I’m feeling really proud to have graduated from VMIAC’s Consumer Leaders in Governance (CLIG) program. My cohort was made up of an incredibly inspiring group of people, and the coursework itself was both grounding and energising. The training deepened my understanding of what meaningful, ethical, and inclusive governance can look like – particularly through a lived experience lens – 2025 CLIG participant