Peer Research, Commissioning and Assurance paula.harriott@revolving-doors.org.uk

About Us Promote understanding of multiple and complex needs Stimulate evidence-based debate about public service reform Partnerships: policymakers & commissioners at national, regional & local levels, academic researchers Through policy, research and lived experience Involve experts by experience in every aspect of our work

User Involvement and Peer Research National and Regional service user forums of people with multiple and complex needs Lived experience team at NHS England Liaison and Diversion Service Peer Research and Commissioning Together specialists NOMS toolkits for prisoner involvement in prisons, probation and peer research Editors of Clinks Guide to service user involvement and coproduction

Unlocking the unseen . They are often able to highlight new areas warranting attention that have been overlooked by non-peer researchers. They can design research questions effectively and pick up on important themes that may seem insignificant to others. Peer researchers can unlock the full potential of service user interviews. They are able to establish a rapport in the interview process with an empathy based on their similar experiences. Peer research has the power to break down boundaries between the researcher and the researched, empowering people to take an active rather than passive role in the interview by becoming experts on their own lives.

Commissioning Together

Peer Research in Commissioning Recruitment and training of peers in research Development of research process Questionnaires and focus groups Examples NHS England Health and Justice Commissioning Together Barking and Dagenham/Wandsworth

What have been outcomes In Wandsworth; focus on IOM; Service user feedback led to decommissioning of one service Reallocation of resources to user led staff training and affecting development of affirmative culture In Barking and Dagenham peer research led into business case for commissioning of womens centre

The Commissioners View Already experienced the benefits of meaningful Service User involvement. With the training – this had significant potential. Careful thought around recruiting. Commit – and show you mean it. Build the relationship and become a team – together Show faith – it’s what makes the difference. Don’t forget existing Service User arrangements.

The Commissioners View Already experienced the benefits of meaningful Service User involvement. With the training – this had significant potential. Careful thought around recruiting. Commit – and show you mean it. Build the relationship and become a team – together Show faith – it’s what makes the difference. Don’t forget existing Service User arrangements.

The Commissioners View A trained, committed and capable resource. and the work goes on! An education for me and the IOM staff.