Wales
Thinking of taking the plunge?
Becoming a user representative is a considerable commitment so it's best to have your head straight before you start.
Here we've listed some questions to ask your Health and Social Services Board contact and issues to consider before you decide. You may want to print off this page and add your own points at the bottom.
Your checklist of questions to ask or consider:
- How much time would be expected of me in this role? Do I have enough time realistically to commit to this role?
- Is the role written down so that everyone is clear about it? Would I be elected, appointed or would I volunteer?
- If I were to be elected, who would elect me and how much/how often would I report back to them?
- Would I contribute to meetings as an individual? If so, are all the committee members clear about this or are they under the impression that I would be representing a group, such as a Diabetes UK voluntary group.
- Am I in touch with the local Diabetes UK support group or people with diabetes living in the area covered by the LDSAG?
- Do I have a clear picture of the social and ethnic mix of the local population? How can I find this out?
- How do I/we make sure that everyone who wants to put their views across can do so? Don't be afraid to speak up. Others in the group will probably have felt like you at some point.
- What happens about expenses?