Experts by Experience

Experts bring personal experience of using NHS services, caring for someone or of identifying with a particular group or community. This is sometimes referred to as “living experience” or “lived experience”.  

Some Experts have experience of living with a condition or impairment, of physical or mental health issues, or a combination of both. They bring personal expertise and an understanding of what it’s like to use our services. 

“I think professionals see things in black and white and the Expert by Experience brings that really big grey area and that real ’but what if…’ that happened”. Helen, Expert by Experience. 

 Experts by Experience come from a wide range of backgrounds and bring diverse skills, experiences and perspectives. This is essential, to ensure our work is informed by the many different people who need our support.   

“Having an Expert by Experience in the room always brings it back to the patient… so it is really important and I’d recommend to any team”. Samantha, Dorset HealthCare staff member. 

 Experts are not paid staff and can approach activities through a different lens, without being influenced by their job responsibilities or the present/past culture of the organisation. 

As non-staff members, their role is far more flexible and Experts can choose how and when they get involved, with all activities optional. It can be a good way for people to start sharing their lived experience in a role, if they haven’t done so before. 

Watch a short video to hear directly from some members of our Experts by Experience team and staff who work alongside them. 

Experts by Experience share their lived experience in many different ways and contexts. This may include directly talking about things that have happened to them or indirectly using these experiences to bring a different perspective to discussions. 

Experts are not expected to bring any particular knowledge, skills or expertise to this role, other than their lived experience. This is different from other lived experience paid or volunteering roles, which ask for skills (such as advocating for particular groups), strategic experience or training abilities. We provide the support and safe spaces for Experts to simply focus on sharing their experiences, while other people hold the work responsibilities. 

Here are some examples of where Experts by Experience can share their lived experience and perspective:  

• staff training and recruitment  

• helping to re-shape our services and structures 

• reviewing our policies and  information aimed at patients/supporters 

• patient safety and suicide prevention programmes 

• orientation sessions for new patients. 

All Experts can choose what they get involved in and do not have to stick with a particular activity. We continually look for new opportunities to make the most of the interests, expertise and passion of our Experts team. 

​​​​​​Expert by Experience general task description 

We provide a range of training to support Experts in their role, including Sharing Lived Experience sessions, an induction to the Trust and our Experts by Experience programme, and online sessions covering information governance, equality and diversity, safeguarding, mentoring, communication and much more. 

There are a few important steps we ask people who are interested in becoming an Expert by Experience to take.  

Please get in touch and we will arrange a chat with you, to discuss what you are looking for and the opportunities we have available. We will send you a self-reflection exercise and catch up again, when you have had a chance to explore this. 

We will also need you to complete a registration form  and provide details for two people who can provide character references. Where necessary a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is arranged. Not all Experts by Experience tasks require a DBS check, and a criminal record will not necessarily prevent anyone from participating. Please contact the participation team if you would like to discuss this. 

There will be opportunities to meet other Experts, shadow their activities and get a feel for what this entails, before taking part in activities yourself. we ask for full engagement with this to make sure we work well together going forward.  

You will also be asked to sign an Experts by Experience agreement, which sets out the expectations of the role, and we will seek your consent to store personal details as part of this (in line with the Data Protection Act 2018). 

As you settle in your role, we will develop a Wellness Action Plan with you, to ensure your wellbeing is supported during your time with us. 

The wellbeing of our Experts is paramount. Even the most experienced Expert will sometimes feel upset or triggered unexpectedly. It can be hard reliving difficult memories and emotions, hearing about other people’s challenging experiences and bringing what is personal into a work environment. This is why we talk to people at length before they sign up as an Expert, encourage self-reflection throughout all activities and make sure people feel able to step away from an activity at any point. 

We also provide range of support to all, including: 

• one-to-one debriefing and support from staff 

• peer meetings with other Experts by Experience, plus advice and guidance, support webinars and 24/7 phoneline counselling available from Care first   

• the chance to join one of our Trust networks focusing on mental health, multicultural communities, disabilities, faith/spirituality, sexuality and more 

• If required, referral to our occupational health team or other specialist support. 

We offer an optional involvement payment to recognise the commitment, skills and expertise of our Experts by Experience.  

We also reimburse the costs people may incur while helping us. Out-of-pocket expenses include (but are not limited to) travel, accommodation, subsistence and carer support where necessary.  

If you are interested in becoming an Expert by Experience or would like more information, please get in touch: 

Email: dhc.participation@nhs.net  

Telephone: 07880 149161 

Write to: Participation Team, 11 Shelley Road, Boscombe, Dorset, BH1 4JQ.