Enter and View Authorised Representative

Overview

An Authorised Representative (AR) is a member of the Healthwatch Derbyshire team who participates in Enter and View activities on a voluntary basis.

Enter and View visits are conducted by two or more trained ARs who visit health and social care services to observe and assess the service being provided; write a report stating their findings from the evidence they collect, with suggestions for improvements which becomes a public document; and follow-up suggested recommendations where necessary.

Key tasks

• Prepare for visits to health and social care services by researching and reading background information about the service being visited. (e.g., CQC Report, Website)
• Take part in the visit looking at all aspects of the service provided, observing, and noting relevant information, talking to staff, relatives and service users about the service
• Write up a report after the visit
• Take part in follow-up visits, after an initial visit has taken place, where recommendations are made.
• Take part in training sessions relevant to the Enter and View programme.
• Contribute to the development of the Enter and View programme.

 

Key Skills and requirement for the role

• Some knowledge and understanding of how health and social care services are run. This could be through:
• working in a particular service area, or
• a general understanding/experience as a carer or service user, or
• from an interest in this area.
• Commitment to improving the lives of others
• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to work within a team
• Good communication skills and the ability to talk and listen to all people
• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality
• Excellent written English skills to be able to write reports. An understanding of written Health Literacy is desirable.

• Willingness to undergo training relevant to this role
• Able to commit at least one to two days every other month to volunteering in this role.

What would you gain?

• Free training for the role will be provided
• Use your skills and experience to contribute to the success of Healthwatch across Derbyshire.
• Experience of working with health and social care organisations
• Knowledge and understanding of how health and social care services are planned, delivered, and commissioned.
• References to add to your CV
• Support from Healthwatch Derbyshire staff team
• Be part of a team of volunteers (receive peer support as part of this) and meet new people
• Increase your confidence and gain new skills including ongoing development and training
• Understanding of the functions of Healthwatch.

For more details please contact Helen Walters (Volunteer Coordinator) on 01773 880786 or email helen.walters@healthwatchderbyshire.co.uk