About Voice Groups - Community Integrated Care

Voice Groups are regional forums where people we support can share their feedback and ideas.

Voice Groups happen face-to-face and virtually, to fit around the needs and preferences of the individual. During meetings open and honest discussions are encouraged and these often cover areas such as care and support planning, ideas on fantastic new projects and initiatives and influencing on important policies for our charity.

People we support can share their insights on best practice and areas for development within our charity, as well as responding to issues that affect society and the entire social care sector.

Register your interest in Voice Groups

Who hosts Voice Groups?

Voice Groups are hosted in person and virtually by a Regional Sponsor and a Quality Advisor. The plan is for Voice Groups to be chaired by attendees in the future - people we support who are nominated into this role.

Where do Voice Groups happen?

The sessions are booked in venues that are as convenient as possible for the people we support, within local communities. A separate version of the Voice Group can also be attended online. The venues chosen for Voice Groups will be accessible and inclusive – it’s important to let your Regional Sponsor know if a person you support has any additional accessibility needs ahead of attending.

How often do Voice Groups happen?

Voice Groups will usually happen quarterly in each region although sometimes dates will be set around important events regionally or organisationally. You will be kept informed on dates via email if you register to attend.

How long do Voice Groups last?

Voice Groups will usually be booked into the diary for around two hours – with opportunity for structured conversations and socialising time. There will be flexibility with sessions to make sure everyone feels comfortable. People will be given plenty of time to arrive and settle in and people can also leave earlier if they need to.

What do Voice Groups discuss?

There will be an agenda for each Voice Group, along with an opportunity to socialise and talk freely. Agendas will be sent in advance of a session and Regional Sponsors and Quality Advisors will lead the session, encouraging the whole group to get involved in discussions. Sessions can explore a host of topics to be determined by the group - from internal care and support and policies to external social care campaigns and debates.

How is the discussion from Voice Groups fed back?

The feedback provided by individuals is confidential.

Regional Sponsors record comments from Voice Groups and ensure these are shared back confidentially with Organisational Sponsors and the wider Quality Team for appropriate response. The Quality Team will feed this back to the leadership team and other relevant teams across the organisation to ensure everything is acted upon and the group has a real impact.

Voice Group attendees will also receive a summary of their session and any actions via email following a meeting.

What support do I need to provide?

If a person you support is attending a Voice Group, they may ask you to join the session with them – this is allowed. However, if you are present during sessions, it is important that you remain impartial and only participate when advocating for the person you’re supporting. It’s important that all attending colleagues do not lead or influence conversation.

If the person you support is chairing or hosting an agenda Item, you can speak on their behalf to share their thoughts and opinions if necessary. You can also help organise transport to and from the venue and remain outside if this is preferred and agreed beforehand.

Those supporting someone to attend should also share any communications that are published ahead of or following each session, to ensure the person you support is able to plan and knows how any feedback they have shared has been progressed.

Above all, you should encourage the people you support to join in and attend the sessions!

How are people invited to Voice Groups?

Supporting colleagues and Service Leaders will receive an email invite containing the date, time and location 3-4 weeks in advance of a session so there is plenty of time to prepare. This might also include information on what will be discussed, guests, themes and anything to think about in advance.

What do we hope to achieve with the Voice Groups?

Our Quality Advisor, Joe Crammond, shares his thoughts on our Voice Groups and how these meetings can make a huge difference to the people we support.

Download the easy read guidance to share with the people you support.

Find your Regional Sponsor details here.

If you or a person you support would like to attend an online event, download our guidance for attending a virtual Voice Group.

Return to Voice Groups

What are Voice Groups?

How do Voice Groups work?