England

What makes a good user representative?

If you want to be a useful member of your planning group, try to develop the following skills and attitudes:

Be willing to network with other people with diabetes
Be approachable to other people with diabetes so they can be open about their views. You need to be non-judgemental and show sensitivity to what may be a difficult personal issue for them.
Work constructively with healthcare professionals and managers. Don't be scared or intimidated by doctors and managers but see them as people doing their best within constraints. When you need to challenge them, do so in a supportive way.
Be willing to negotiate so you can make a case for a particular course of action.
Be willing to compromise.
Step outside you own experience and present a range of views, some of which you might not agree with
Confidently present the views of people with diabetes and don't be afraid to raise issues about your role or how the group functions.