Everyone talks about the importance of hearing people with ‘lived experience’ and we know how much wealth that brings to a conversation, project or challenge we may be tackling.
We also know there is a great deal of lived experience available, maybe a lot more than is often recognised. For example, in our recent diversity survey, over 70% of Better Way members disclosed one or more type of lived experience, for example living with mental illness, or a disability, growing up in poverty, experiencing racism or misogyny, substance abuse, domestic abuse, and so on.
It is hugely encouraging that in recent years there has been lot more attention on the value of bringing lived experience into decision-making, service design and policy formulation.
But what actually happens in practice? Are some types of lived experience valued more and others ignored? Are we making it easier for people to bring their whole selves into their working lives, and is the balance of power and control shifting? Or is this all becoming yet another tick-box exercise, providing the illusion of change, while actually further marginalising ‘other’ people.
And if that is the case, for those organisations and policy makers who really do want to make a difference, what steps could they be taking?
Reserve your place
If you would like to reserve a place for this online meeting you can either fill out our booking form or contact us at info@betterway.network.