Patient and Carer Representative roles
The College believes that the voice of Patients and Carers is a key factor in helping to improve the quality of mental health care patients receive.
With the help of patients, carers, members and employees, the College co-produced a Patient and Carer Working Together Model.
As part of the Working Together Model, Patient and Carer Representatives are appointed to lived experience roles at the College through a competitive interview process and all roles have a fixed term.
All Patient and Carer Representative roles are also paid positions via PAYE and reimbursement of expenses (i.e. travel) is covered in line with our Pay and Expenses Policy.
What activities do Patient and Carer Representatives get involved in?
- Opportunities for coproduction
- Attending Faculty and Committee meetings
- Responding to and initiating strategic policy
- Contributing to the development of good practice guidelines
- Attending peer reviews as part of a team
- Providing input and views to working group discussions, informed by personal experience.
There are also opportunities for involvement in College events and network development.
All newly appointed Patient and Carer Representatives have an induction and training to help support them in their role.
If you have lived experience of using mental health services or caring for someone who has, and would like to work with us, please see our work for us page for current vacancies or contact HR@rcpsych.ac.uk for more information.