Community voices called upon to help shape Council services

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council will put communities "at the heart of everything" with the creation of a new board to help shape services it delivers.

The 'Making It Real Board' will be made up of people with lived experience who have, or will, access Council adults and health services.

And the personal knowledge and first-hand involvement of board members is set to play a key role at a time when the Council undergoes a programme of transformation across the organisation.

The development of the Making It Real Board is also being supported by partners, with funding secured from the NHS - and was agreed at a meeting of the Council's Cabinet on Thursday (December 14).

Councillor Ann McCoy, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: "As part of our 'Powering Our Futures' transformation programme, one of the key aspects is utilising the insights and experiences of our communities to help our service delivery be as effective as possible.

"And the Making It Real Board is a very exciting opportunity to learn more from our communities and really put them at the heart of everything we do in adults and health.

"We are looking at the board having around 12 members, plus three members of staff. The group will work with senior colleagues and have a big say on improving and developing services, whilst also playing a vital role by helping provide a 'reality check' on any proposals brought forward.

"We'll also ensure client groups who access our services make up the board, but it's also important we make sure the board is made up of members who are authentic, individual voices rather than the voice of an organisation.

"The board members' personal knowledge and first-hand involvement in the services we provide will provide crucial information and I'm looking forward to the group being up and running."

The Making It Real Board is due to meet every two months, starting in January 2024.

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