Equal-Works

Underpinning activities of the whole DP is the hypothesis that those with acknowledged lived experience have particular knowledge and skills that can enhance the development, management and delivery of services, enterprises and other community initiatives.

A vital part of the DP is the contribution of those with acknowledged lived experience (ALE) who are providing living solutions to improve services, training and employment by working as part of the team, sharing their skills (gained through experience), and acting as role models. The previous social, health, welfare, economic and environmental experience of ALE members is a way of contributing to the formation of better services, fairer opportunities, and additional facilities. Working with the DP partners, their acknowledged lived experience can shape and improve the policies and recruitment procedures of local organisations.

The partnership has encouraged best practice in the voluntary sector, and supported and developed policies, practices, training, mentoring and support mechanisms that provide personal development for individuals. This has been accomplished through the responsible employment scheme managed by Powys County Council.

It is intended for the scheme to develop by signing up organisations that can adopt the best practice advised by the group and assist in providing placements, learning experience, work tasters and peer-led training. By acting as mentors, ALE members become key players in improving the services of interest to the community, while strengthening the social economy and improving the quality of employment opportunities.