Guide to User-Led Reviews
2. Checklist for planning and practical arrangements
Ensure that the review team:
- is representative of a broad range of disabled people,
- is well-organised and clear about the objectives,
- has identified and allocated all tasks,
- has suitable premises with adequate facilities in which to meet,
- has access to administrative support and materials,
- has necessary support workers and materials for those team members who require them,
- has effective systems for keeping everyone informed about decisions and actions.
Ensure that the questionnaire:
- overs every issue you want to address with service users,
- is very easy to use for both the review team and service users,
- is produced in appropriate alternative formats,
can be completed by service users in as many ways as possible – for example, at home then posted to you, by meeting with you, by telephone, by email etc., - is accompanied by a clear explanatory leaflet.
Ensure that for the interviews:
- you are taking every possible step to encourage people to participate, by:
- being as flexible as possible in terms of where, when and how interviews can be carried out,
- meeting people’s costs and transport requirements,
ensuring the availability of signers, interpreters, and any other supports which people may need,
- interviewers meet during the process to review progress and take steps to improve quality and consistency, and to share ideas and observations,
- note-taking is timely and efficient.
If review team members are visiting people or meeting people at various locations in the community:
- identity cards with a photograph should be carried,
street maps should be carried, - access to necessary facilities should always be possible – for example, adequate toilets and transport,
- use of mobile phones should be considered,
- they should always be able to contact each other and should arrange to do so regularly,
- they should have cash to cover any likely expenses,
- they should have note-pads, clipboards and pens.
Ensure that the final report:
- reflects the results of the review briefly and accurately,
- is presented to service users and other interested parties,
- is presented effectively to the service management,
- is used as a tool for change, and followed up by the review team with timescales and review meetings agreed with the service management.
Page updated 08.10.2007