National Care Service: Governance and representation – seldom heard voices co-design work: Easy Read

What people told us about Board organisation and membership

1. People want more information about how the board will work. They also want to know what board members will have to do.

People said they wanted information on who is on the NCS Board. They also want to know what is expected from members so they can decide if they want to join.

People said members with lived experience should be part of making decisions.

People told us that board members need to have knowledge and understanding of health and social care. This is so they can take part properly.

How we will use this

We will make sure board members have lived experience of health and social care services.

2. The way people apply for and join the NCS Board is important.

People said board members should get training on inclusion. Members with lived experience should have access to training on topics they are unsure about.

People said all members of the NCS Board should get the same training. This training should go on for as long as it is needed. This will mean there is more inclusion and equality between all members of the board.

People told us there should be training on things like equality, decision making, communications, and digital skills.

How we will use this

We will make training support available to members of the board. This will help us when finding new board members.

3. Board meetings should be inclusive and members should be given support to take part.

People told us that all members should be able to take part in a way that is best for them. Many said that face-to-face meetings help build relationships.

Some members could join in online if it suits them better. Meetings in person could happen once or twice a year. Some people said meetings should be held across Scotland.

People said it would help to have information ahead of meetings and a list of who would attend. A contact to answer questions would help.

People said that holding informal sessions before and after meetings would be good.

How we will use this

We will think about these suggestions. We will also talk about them more in future co-design sessions.

4. It is important to have the right people and the right number of people on the board

People think that the size of the board needs to enable everyone to take part. People with lived experience should have a say in who can join the NCS Board.

People suggested the board should have between 10 and 12 members. Too many people make it hard for some to be heard.

Some people said that a small membership would mean voting on issues would not be fair.

People said the board chair should have the right experience. Members could take turns running meetings.

People said that having lived experience board members would mean different views were heard. The board members would feel more comfortable sharing information.

How we will use this

We will think more about these suggestions and how they could work. We will make sure that all members of the board are able to take part.

5. Board members will need the right support to be able to take part properly.

People with lived experience want support to do their job properly. People expect to be paid for their time and expenses as board members. This includes travel costs.

Support might be different for each member. Some people might need computers and training.

Some people were worried about how being a board member might affect their benefits.

How we will use this

We need to support all members. We will make sure the right support is available.