The Scottish government's process of co-designing a new national care service takes a step forward today, inviting applications for a Lived Experience Experts Panel to help ensure the best chance of meeting the needs of all those who will use the new organisation in future years.

Ministers say they hope individuals will apply to be part of a panel whose members will be invited to take part in surveys, be interviewed, put forward ideas and help the Scottish government team to assess the mix of requests and evidence they expect to receive from the continuing consultation.

Organisations in Scotland with an interest in health and social care are meanwhile being invited to apply to join a new stakeholder register.

The new NCS will see the creation of a network of ‘care boards’ overseen by the Scottish government in what First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has called “the most ambitious reform of public services since the creation of the NHS”.

The Scottish government says that the first tasks of members of the new lived experience groups will be considering how information-sharing can improve health and social care support. Alongside this, members will advise on the aims of "realising rights and recognising responsibilities", examining how services can best meet the needs of local communities and putting forward ideas on "valuing the workforce".

At a recent Scotland’s Policy conference, serious concerns were raised about the “workforce crisis” in the health and care, with nursing staff reporting “things have never been as bad as they are now” and preparing to vote on strike action.

While applications for the panel are invited from anyone over the age of 18, ministers say all ages will be invited to support separate groups focusing on children, young people, families, care experienced people, young carers and children with disabilities.

Scotland's minister for social care, Kevin Stewart says if Scotland is to build an NCS that best fits the needs of everybody, it's important to hear from the voices of experience directly:

“The new National Care Service will set the standards and guidance to support the design and delivery of community healthcare and social work services locally.

“The complexities of getting this right should not be underestimated. People with experience of the current system, whether in receipt of health and care support or delivering it, are the experts. We particularly need to hear those voices.”

He echoed the First Minister’s statement that these reforms are the “biggest since the creation of the National Health Service almost 75 years ago”, adding:

“I encourage anyone with direct experience of social care to take part,” adding that with Lived Experience Experts and Stakeholder Panels, the NCS will deliver “a service that puts people at its very heart”.

 

Further details of the lived experience expert panel and stakeholder register – and how to apply – can be found on the Scottish government website.

The first NCS Forum on 3 October in Perth will be another opportunity for individuals to engage and shape the NCS co-design process. Register to join the event online

 

Read more: Fear it is "too little too late" for social care; Adult adoptees call for care records recognition; The right to have needs met by the NCS;  Scots ‘completely unaware’ they can inform policy;

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