Experts by Experience are people who have personal experience of using or caring for someone who uses health, mental health and/or social care services. A few weeks ago, we had a session with Sue from Remploy who are managing the initiative. Sue gave us more information and talked through with one of the individuals we support, how to sign up for the programme. The individual had a few questions to ask such as:

‘Will we have to inspect places we have been involved with in the past?’. The answer was ‘no, you would not be asked to inspect places you have been involved with in the past, the reason being your findings may be biased and the environment may be one you don’t feel comfortable with’.

A huge positive about the programme is that it will get people using care services involved in the quality of those services as equal partners. Part of their report could be used in inspection reports! It also seems to be a great opportunity to meet people and discuss experiences of care. One of the people we support has recently signed up and is now moving on to the next steps!