Those who have experienced adult social care are being sought to help shape policies in Scotland

Recruitment of a group to help shape the future of adult social care

Up to 50 volunteers from across the country are being sought for an innovative new project which is being led by Inclusion Scotland.

The People-led Policy Panel project, funded by the Scottish Government, is a new innovative engagement structure to make sure that people who have lived experience of using adult social care are at the heart of good decision making as they are the experts in their own experiences.

Dr Sally Witcher, chief executive at Inclusion Scotland, said: “At a time when social care is in crisis, involving people with lived experience can provide unique insights into the barriers they face, and what works and what does not work.

“Involving them throughout the policy, delivery and evaluation cycle leads to policy which is better informed, more likely to be successful in achieving the benefits envisaged and less likely to waste limited resources. It can also generate creative and innovative approaches."

Inclusion Scotland’s Deirdre Henderson added: “We are looking for 50 volunteers from across Scotland who represent all the different ways that people use adult social care support to create the policy panel.

“A core group of 20 volunteers from the policy panel will be selected to meet with the Scottish Government, and other decision makers, four times between October 2018 to June 2019. The core group will also have direct communication with the ministers for health and sport.”

Inclusion Scotland are seeking applications, by 3 October, from people who are 16 years or older who have received, are receiving, transitioning to, or have been unable to access adult social care support in Scotland. This might be people using social care services or their carers.

Full details can be found on the Inclusion Scotland website.