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Would you be interested in training as an Authorised Representative?

Authorised Representatives are volunteers who carry out visits to NHS and social care services to see how they are delivered and gather experiences from people using the services.

Visits may take place in a variety of health and social care settings; for example, hospitals, care homes, day centres, mental health facilities – basically any service which provides a health or social care service funded through the NHS or Local Authority. Your role will be to assess the quality of care from the perspectives of patients and the public. This will include talking to patients, visitors and staff to gather views and experiences. You may need to liaise with health and social care staff and managers to plan for visits and to discuss initial findings. You may assist in the preparation of reports that detail the findings of visits and give feedback or make recommendations that allows for improvements.

So, we are looking for people who are interested in others and enjoy engaging and talking to people. If you have good listening skills, are empathetic, can ask questions and record responses and observations accurately, are mindful of confidentiality, value inclusivity as well as being sensitive and non-judgemental then you have the qualities that would suit you for this role.

You will be part of an effective team working with the Healthwatch Wigan and Leigh (HWWL) staff and other Authorised Representatives. You will have the opportunity to develop new skills through training and increase your level of understanding regarding local services. You can use your skills for the benefit of local people – helping people to have a voice.

All necessary training will be delivered by the Healthwatch Wigan and Leigh team, so you are fully prepared for this role. Alongside completion of all training, you would also need to supply two character references, complete a satisfactory DBS check and be over 18 years old.

Once trained it is at your discretion how much time you would like to commit.

HWWL will cover all travel and out of pocket expenses related to this role.