It is recommended that where possible thought should be given to inviting a minimum of at least two service users and two carers as members of a group or committee.
Meetings should be organised so that they are not ‘stuffy, intimidating and unfriendly.
A service user and carer liaison person should be designated to provide support, ensure agreements about conduct of meetings are adhered to and, for example, discuss the previous minutes and agenda prior to the meeting. Service users and carers should have a choice in who their support person is.
To facilitate team building, informal gatherings with committee staff, service users and carers should be regularly organised. Minutes should be produced in easy to read plain English, sent with the agenda at least one week in advance.