Our People We Support Forum returned last month with one clear message: Be Inspired!
The day brought together Forum representatives from across our services, creating opportunities to contribute ideas, take part in discussions and share their views throughout the day. It provided a space for people we support to be involved and play a meaningful role in shaping the services they are part of.
The event was hosted by Lisa, Divisional Director for Central East England, and Danielle, Divisional Director for South East England, who guided the day and led a number of discussions and activities.
Joined by our Executive team, Heads of Departments and supporting functions, it was a day of meaningful discussion, planning and collaboration.
Reflecting on Progress
The day began with a relaxed lunch before moving into the first session, which looked back at the previous forum through the “You Said, We Did” initiative.
This session highlighted how feedback from the people we support has led to real changes across the organisation. From contributing to recruitment interviews and shaping survey questions to influencing guidance and elements of the forum itself, it demonstrated how ideas shared are listened to and acted on.
The Be Inspired Project Group
This group is made up of people we support who meet regularly to work on projects chosen by them that contribute to the wider organisation. Their work spans a range of areas, from training and questionnaires to shaping house rules and supporting recruitment.
Led by Danielle, the group plays an important role in making sure the voices of people we support are heard and reflected in decision-making. One recent example includes finalising the list of interview questions put forward at the last forum to be used in recruitment, helping to ensure the perspectives of people we support are part of the hiring process.
“It was great having the Be Inspired team represent themselves and be involved in the presentation,” said Danielle. “Sharing what Be Inspired is all about with the wider group was really positive.”
Pledges – Turning Ideas into Action
Pledges from colleagues at the Managers Conference in October were presented to the reps to vote on, helping to identify which areas should be developed into future projects for the Be Inspired team.
This approach ensured that next steps are shaped by the priorities of people we support.
Family Engagement
Lisa led a discussion exploring how people would like staff to communicate with their families, what support is needed to do this, and what matters most within those relationships.
The insights shared will help strengthen guidance and ensure communication is shaped around individual preferences.
“Days like this give people a space to be heard and show that their opinions matter” said Lisa. “It’s important that people we support help shape the future of Swanton.”
Getting Involved
Interactive market stalls gave people we support the opportunity to explore different ways to get involved in two of Swanton’s supporting functions—Marketing and Communications, and Learning and Development.
These included:
People were able to learn more, ask questions and explore how they could take part, as well as receive a selection of items for their gift bags.
Shaping Safeguarding Together
Another important part of the day explored safeguarding policies, led by Emma Sadler, Quality Director.
This looked at how policies are developed and why they matter. People we support were asked to share their views on what should be included and how staff can best support them to stay safe.
Key areas discussed included:
This feedback is helping to make policies more meaningful and accessible, including the development of ‘I Statements’.
“When we reviewed the safeguarding policy and included ‘I statements’, I was blown away by the insight people shared” Lisa reflected.
Ask the Exec
The day concluded with an Ask the Exec session, giving people the opportunity to ask questions directly to senior leaders in an open and supportive setting. There was great engagement, with thoughtful questions and open, honest conversation throughout.
Time to Celebrate
After a full day of discussions and activities, the evening gave everyone the opportunity to unwind and enjoy a three-course meal, music and dancing. Karaoke was a highlight of the evening, with many memorable performances. The people we support and team members danced the night away, with a most impressive conga line!
Looking Ahead
The forum continues to play an important role in supporting involvement and shaping the future of services.
“It really felt like people came together as a team,” Danielle said. “I hope everyone left feeling confident to continue being involved.”
“Our goal was to make sure everyone left feeling listened to, inspired and confident,” Lisa added.
Reflecting on the impact of the day, Gray Thompson, CEO, said: “It’s incredibly important that the voices of people we support are heard at every level of the organisation. Events like this show the real impact of listening, learning and working together to shape the future of our services.”
The ideas and feedback shared throughout the day will continue to be taken forward, helping ensure the people we support remain at the centre of all that we do.
Thank You
A big thank you goes to everyone involved in making the day a success. Support came from across the organisation, with special thanks to:
We're look forward to our next forum in 2027 already!
