Top tips for staff working with people with lived experience
Top tips for staff working with people with lived experience
These tips are for staff who invite people with lived experience to meetings, groups, or co-production work.
1. Be welcoming and friendly
Help people feel comfortable and valued from the start.
2. Be patient
People may need time to get used to the group, the work, and how meetings run.
3. Be clear before people attend
Explain what the meeting is about, what is expected, and what their role will be.
4. Remember people may be new to the work
Do not assume people understand systems, processes, or language.
5. Make it easy to take part
Avoid acronyms and jargon. Plan meetings so everyone has time to speak.
6. Provide the right support
Have support in place and expect that two people may attend together if needed.
7. Give information in good time
Send papers early and send reminders. This helps people prepare, especially carers.
8. Be respectful and open
Do not make assumptions about what lived experience “looks like” or why people are involved.
9. Listen without taking things personally
Feedback is about improving services, not criticising individuals.
10. Use lived experience appropriately
Only ask people to share their experiences when there is a clear purpose.
If it is not co-production, do not call it co-production.
11. Take people seriously
Capture what people say in meeting notes, check you have understood correctly, and allow space for feelings.
12. Follow up and build relationships
Tell people what difference their involvement has made.
Agree together what good communication looks like and take time to build trust.
