Getting Involved

Service users can get involved, either formally or informally, to influence the way we do things at Turnstone, as can their families.

Each person is briefed on the 'Compliments, concerns and complaints' policy, and how to use it, and no staff member is appointed without the approval of the service user who is to be supported.

We believe the rapport between a service user and his or her support worker is absolutely fundamental to the success of that relationship, therefore service users are either involved in the interview process, or candidates are asked to meet them socially for a 'get to know you' session. Rapport, as well as communication skills, are observed, before a potential new staff member can be offered a job.

And service users input to the recruitment process does not end there. Their feedback is incorporated as part of the probationary period review process for all staff, whether agency or permanent, in addition to our annual staff questionnaires. All service users are also given freepost feedback cards for comments, and are actively encouraged to suggest to their support worker how we might make improvements.

Service users who wish to get involved in the Turnstone business in a more formal way can ask about joining the Service User Recruitment Group or the Service User Forum. Similarly families can influence how we do things, by taking part in family discussion groups and completing the annual Carer's questionnaire.