What is the Client Reference Group? 

The Client Reference Group (CRG) is made up of 12-14 clients who use or have used Norwood's services in the past twelve months.

The Client Reference Group meets monthly to discuss and reflect on their experiences of using Norwood services and plan our efforts to convey these to staff and management.  We work collectively with Norwood on ways to improve services.

The aims of the CRG are:

• to support and strengthen client networks within Norwood and its local community, arranging opportunities for clients to meet formally/informally to express their views
• to provide clients with a range of effective and appropriate client consultation, participation and feedback mechanisms
• to improve communication, understanding and relationships between Norwood clients, staff and management
• to provide an effective peer support structure for the Client Liaison Worker and other Client Representatives who may attend Norwood or other agency meetings
• to support timely and appropriate information exchange and feedback between management and clients in regards to service delivery, planning and evaluation activities
• to provide direction, advice and generate ideas from our knowledge/experience to the Client Liaison Worker, Client representatives and to Norwood staff and management
• to respond to ideas and initiatives generated by Norwood, Clients, Client Liaison Worker or management about any proposed changes to the service and/or how the service could improve
• to facilitate Client representatives to attend relevant agency meetings, eg. the 'Participation Program Advisory Group', Quality Improvement meetings, Board of Governance meetings etc.

How did the Client Reference Group start?

The group was first formed in 1998 to provide advice to Management about how Norwood could get Clients to participate and provide ideas on how to enrich the service.  We met regularly to discuss ideas and consult about changes.

This approach - proved so worthwhile, the Reference Group continued to meet on a monthly basis.

How can I join the group?

Why not put in a verbal expression of interest to the Client Liaison Worker or a member of staff. We generally have vacant positions a few times a year.

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