Parents Voice Steering Group FAQ
Q. Why do I need to join Parents' Voice Steering Group?
A. The more parents who join, the louder our voice! By joining Parents’ Voice you can help make sure your voice is heard on important issues affecting your children. We need more parents to join us so we can properly represent families in Worcestershire.
Q. Can anyone join?
A. If you are a parent in Worcestershire then we would welcome you. We're all ordinary parents.
Q. How involved do I have to get?
A. As much or little as you like! As an extended member, you will receive newsletters and invitations to events, but you don't have to commit to anything. Through emails and newsletters we'll let you know what is being discussed and ask for your opinions. Committee members (limited numbers) meet once a month.
Q. Are there any costs?
A. No. Membership and involvement cost nothing. In fact, in some circumstances we can help with the cost of getting to our meetings, consultations, workshops, etc.
Q. Is it free to join?
A. Yes. There are no costs involved with being a member of PVSG.
Q. How do we contact you?
A. By email, letter or phone. You'll find the details on the Contact us page.
Q. Why do I need to have a voice?
A.
- Have you ever felt frustrated that nobody asks for your opinion about services?
- Do you think something could be done better? Have you given feedback about something and wondered if anybody was listening?
- By acting together we have a louder voice and hope to influence change
Without a voice the views you have about how to make the future for children in Worcestershire better, will remain unheard by those who could make a real difference. You know your child best and your opinion as a parent matters. You as a parent have as much of right to share your views as anyone else.
Q. Will it make a difference?
A. Yes! OK, we're not promising that as soon as you tell us about something it will change overnight, but gradually we are making a difference and influencing changes. Our group began several years ago and from small beginnings is now widely recognised as a group who are passionate about making a difference to children’s services in Worcestershire. We have a seat on the Joint Commissioning Board and our position enables us to influence policy and decision making in Worcestershire.
One of our success stories is our work carried out earlier this year on Communication Issues between parents and professionals / agencies. The findings and recommendations have already been adopted as a model for the Family Information Service to improve their methods of communication with parents.
Q. Who will listen?
A. The Core Group will listen to the extended members and then Worcestershire County Council, NHS Worcestershire and other people listen to them! This year the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority came to one of our meetings to ask for our opinions about proposed changes to the National Curriculum. You could bring a fresh new approach to something we are working on or bring our attention to a problem or issue you’re dealing with, which could be affecting others.
Q. Will you help with childcare and transport?
A. For some events we may be able to pay some expenses for childcare or transport, but otherwise.
Q. Do I get paid?
A. Afraid not. PVSG members offer their time and services for free
Q. Where are the meetings?
A. The Core members meetings are usually in Perdiswell, Worcester. Workshops and other events are held in various locations throughout Worcestershire – see the Future and upcoming events page.
Q. How often do you meet?
A. The Core members meet once a month. Details of consultations, workshops and other events that can be attended are on the Future and upcoming events page.
Q. Do you have fun?
We think so!
Always and we have biscuits (chocolate ones sometimes!)
We do have fun! Whether it is lively discussion or meeting people, tackling issues and trying to find solutions, gathering information, sharing opinions and ideas, or adding to our newsletter, we all manage to combine our different skills, experiences and backgrounds very well to get results and have fun at the same time.
Lots of it.