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2 Who is this guide for?
The primary audience is service providers and commissioners. It will also be of value to those service users and their supporters who wish to become more actively involved in the design, planning, delivery and evaluation of substance misuse services.
This guide is designed to be used by all services regardless of size, source of funding, structure or client group. We have, where possible, sought to provide guidance as to the suitability of different forms of user involvement for specific types of service. However, it is guidance and ultimately the successful implementation of any particular form of user involvement is dependent on a clear, shared understanding of the aims of user involvement and the ongoing enthusiasm and commitment of those involved.
The following statement from the Scottish Consumer Council (2002) details "key principles that are considered important to the effective involvement of all service users.
- Being clear about the purpose and expectations of involvement
- Being clear about the status and authority of the user and the extent to which they could or should liaise with wider user networks.
- Being explicit about how people are selected to take part
- Ensuring that appropriate support, including funding, is provided to facilitate participation."
The way forward for effective service delivery is for service user involvement to be an integral part of the design, planning, delivery and evaluation of services at a local, regional and national level.
Service user involvement is challenging but the benefits resulting from both the process and the results can turn the challenge into an opportunity.
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