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I’ve been asked questions about the Experts by Experience group. I want to share the thinking behind the decisions I’ve taken so far. Many reviews start with a pre-set panel that has been directly appointed. When I was asked to lead this review, I wanted to do things differently
I wanted an Experts by Experience Group, made up of children, young people, care experienced adults, parents and carers to sit at the heart of this review and make meaningful decisions throughout. If the review is to be a success their voices must be at the centre of it.
I wanted these people to be appointed through an open application process. There were other ways that we could have set this group up. We could have asked organisations to nominate people - we did consider this. However, it might have limited involvement to those already engaged
I could have directly picked people but this would have limited the group to people I already know. Instead we decided to have an open application so that we can get the widest possible range of people. The inevitable downside of this is that some people don’t get selected.
The intent was to create a fair and open process that resulted in a diverse group who can help to steer the review. Its wasn’t intended to diminish or overlook anyone’s experience. We need to hear all views and there will be ways for everyone to contribute.
A core purpose of the Experts by Experience group is to decide the ways in which people will be able to contribute. So whilst I can’t tell you now what the various options for engaging with the review will be I can tell you that there will be lots of opportunities.
I understand everyone is eager to know more but it defeats the point of handing power to the Experts by Experience Group if I take big decisions like this before they are in place.
The plan is for the Experts by Experience Group to meet for the first time in early March, which should allow us to share the plans and tell you how you can get involved in the review in mid-March, a few weeks later.
I’m really grateful to everyone who submitted an application and look forward to engaging with you further over the coming months as the Experts by Experience Group is established and begins to set out how everyone can be involved.
