eXperts by eXperience
The University of Bedfordshire is committed to promoting the involvement and participation of people with lived experience of using services and carers on Social Work programmes in the coproduction of all our programmes, in accordance with the requirements of our regulator, Social Work England. We call people with lived experience of social work and carers Experts by Experience (XbX). As a group, XbX work in partnership with academic staff coproducing a range of activities to add quality to student education. Everyone in eXpert by eXperience has experience of either social care or mental health services as a user or carer. We exist to help produce better social workers, mental health nurses and general nurses.
Who are we?
We are a group of people who have experience of using Social Care Services ourselves or as carers of people who use services. This includes caring for loved ones with dementia and at end of life and liaising with social care in personal and professional capacities, using social care and health services ourselves, and experiencing residential and foster care.
Aim of group
To have an active role in educating Social Workers of the future and to ensure our voices are heard.
What do we do?
People with lived experience know what it is like to receive social work services and what qualities and skills a good social worker should have. Our experience and knowledge enhance our courses to ensure that students become the best social workers that they can be.
The group is involved in many different ways in accordance with the requirements of our regulator, Social Work England This includes coproduction at every level of the social work programmes:
- The selection of social work students and staff on the degree and post graduate courses
- Coproduction of student lectures and materials bringing our perspectives as a people who use/have used services or as a carer
- Coproduction of skills days for students including leading small group work, for example on communication skills and having courageous conversations.
- Writing and delivering specific teaching session on our areas of interest and lived expertise
- Giving feedback on student presentations and portfolio work
- Consultation on the development of new courses
- Working collaboratively with the team to review, co-develop and enhance current programmes during our regular Expert by Experience meetings
- Quality assuring placement provision by contributing to our placement auditing processes.
- Liaising with People with Lived Experience and staff across the Allied Health courses to develop an interprofessional working strand
Why get involved?
- Feel valued and make a difference to the education of future Social Workers and other health professionals.
- Feel that your experience counts and will make a difference.
- Gain self confidence and self-esteem
- Make new friends
- Learn and develop new skills
Recruitment
We are always looking to welcome new members to the group. The only experience you need is to have experience of using Social Care Services and an interest and willingness to become involved. For all our activities we provide training and support so that you feel confident about participating. For any kind of involvement we will discuss your role so that you are fully informed before you decide whether or not you wish to take part – choose what you think best suits you.
There is no set time commitment for involvement. You can chose to do as much or as little as you feel able in this role, and we actively encourage applications from anyone who has experience of using social care services.
Your work will be remunerated.
To find out more contact Alberto Poletti: alberto.poletti@beds.ac.uk
Equality & Diversity
The University is committed to creating and sustaining a positive and supportive working environment for its staff and an excellent teaching and learning experience for its students, where staff is valued and respected, and students are encouraged to thrive academically. We are fully committed to SCIE’s principles of equality, diversity, accessibility and reciprocity.