Northumberland LINk website
LINks (Local Involvement Networks) were introduced in April 2008. One of the aims behind LINks is to provide more people with the chance to shape local care services. Existing members of Patients’ Forums are well placed to be involved early on in the setting up of LINks, but LINks are to be formed of a much wider base and the Government has urged Local Authorities seek the involvement of people involved LINks in user and carer groups, and representatives from the wider voluntary and community sector too.
Consultation
In order to be usefully responsive, members require briefings, opportunities and time to reflect, opportunities to think and respond collectively, and from a range of perspectives. The host needs to ensure that consultation fatigue is minimised by negotiating with strategic partners to ensure that there is a clear process for feedback, time to reflect, and that the parameters of the real opportunity to influence are known.
Engagement
To engage as equal partners in development of strategies and their implementation, members of the LINk will be encouraged to audit their own knowledge, understanding and skills in representation and decision-making. A programme of learning and support will be identified and offered in response to this self assessment, and the host will also play a role in negotiating engagement opportunities with public bodies.
Participation
LINk members take on representative roles where appropriate, and to play an active role in awareness-raising activities where a user voice is required. LINk members will be offered opportunities to participate in a range of functions, such as on interview panels and task groups.
Scrutiny
Some LINk members will be participating in scrutiny activities and will need support in designing visits and enquiries, in interpreting any findings and presenting these to service providers with a solution-focussed approach.
