Reference groups

We work together with health services to ensure the rights products and services are included on HSV collective agreements.

Using their knowledge and expertise, health service representatives participate in reference groups by:

• identifying areas for tender
• developing tender evaluation criteria, standards and specifications
• identifying key users of products
• considering factors relevant to local, regional and small-and-medium potential supplier enterprises
• making recommendations for awarding contracts

Types of reference groups

There are three types of reference groups, including:

Executive reference groups

Executive reference groups (ERG) provide input into strategic procurement planning, either for a single category or across a portfolio of like categories.

Product/Service reference groups

Product/Service reference groups (PRG/SRG) assist in the development of product and service lists, feedback on product quality, specifications, strategy and evaluation criteria.

Contract management groups

Contract management groups (CMG) help maximise the benefit to health services from HSV agreements and advise on improving supplier performance.

How to join a reference group

Each Victorian public health service has an HSV nomination coordinator. 

Nomination coordinators nominate their colleagues for HSV reference groups and the chief executive of the health service determines the outcome of the nomination.

To find out who the nomination coordinator is at your health service, contact your Customer Relationship Manager or the HSV Helpdesk.

For more information on HSV reference groups, access the following guides:

• Reference group FAQs
• Nominations coordinator guide
• Nominee guide
• Nomination approver guide

Reference group participants are bound by a code of conduct and confidentiality agreement.

How to submit a nomination

Nomination coordinators can submit nominations via the Nominations Portal in the My Dashboard.

Content reviewed: August 2026