LEAG Recruitment

We are recruiting!

About the LEAG
The Lived Experience Advisory Group (LEAG) will bring together people from across the country, from different backgrounds, facing different challenges, as we aim to be inclusive of varying perspectives and experiences and ensure we can be as representative as possible. Its membership will be representative of people who share protected characteristics and/or that experience health inequalities, whilst also considering the role of wider social and economic determinants on their differing experiences.

People who draw on services and their families and carers will be central to everything we do and through the sharing of their experiences in this Group, The Association hopes to embed the voice of living experience in all our programmes and projects, with members offering advice, guidance, and feedback on our work.

True and meaningful coproduction is crucial for The Association and the LEAG will support the direction in planning, guiding, and informing the organisation’s work. The Group may work in collaboration with The Association’s existing project-specific advisory groups and through other joint-working, as appropriate. The Association hopes the LEAG will support the organisation’s team, as well as challenge them, on living experience involvement, inclusion, representation, and coproduction.

About you
We are looking for people with living or learnt experience of poor mental health and illness, including SMI, or an unpaid carer, who are passionate about mental health and want to make a difference. We would like you to have the capacity to effect change and have an impact on mental health policy and practice.

You will be willing to share your expertise and personal experiences, whilst being understanding and empathetic of others’ differing views and experiences. Individuals will be open to other people’s ideas and new ways of thinking and be able to communicate effectively.

People who draw on services and their families and carers will be central to everything we do and if you would like to act as our critical, but constructive, friend, we look forward to hearing from you.

Job purpose
You will attend the advisory group and, if necessary, some project working group meetings and support the work of the organisation by sharing your expertise and experiences of mental health services. You will be responsive to all communications and read all shared materials in preparation to offer advice, guidance, and feedback.

Hours – Four 2-hours meetings to be held quarterly and some additional work may be required on an ad hoc basis in between, including participating in project working groups
Duration – One year term (with potential for extension)
Location – Online, potential meeting in London in the future. Applicants based in England only.
Remuneration – Dependent on activity, ranging from £50-150

Who should apply?

• those drawing on services provided by the VCSE mental health sector – community, housing, residential, complex needs, substance misuse
• those no longer drawing on services but have experience of this including as a carer
• those drawing on services provided by the NHS only
•  those belonging to a minoritised (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic) community
•  those from other protected characteristic groups or facing health inequalities such as LGBT, women, older people, children, and young people, and/or those with experience of homelessness or the criminal justice system
• those aged between 18-25
• those with experience of co-production

How to apply

1. By completing this online form
2. Downloading a word version of the application form
3. By sending in a video telling us about yourself and how you meet the requirements of the role.

All applications, questions, or requests for further information can be directed to Cheryl Hollis.

Deadline for applications is midnight, Thursday 28th April. Interviews will be conducted over Zoom and will be short ~20 minute conversations with dates to be confirmed. Unsuccessful applicants will be informed in May and will have the opportunity to join our wider Lived Experience Network.