At a glance

Group conversation

Dorset has many different patient and public involvement groups. Their broad purpose is to ensure the voices and experiences of patients and the public are heard and taken into account to inform decision-making and service improvement.

Groups tend to come together on a regular basis to have conversations and provide feedback, insight, and guidance on proposed changes or initiatives that may impact their lives or the lives of those they represent. Conversations may take place in a variety of formats, including focus groups, meetings, and online forums, and are designed to gather perspectives and opinions. The input received from these groups can inform decision-making processes, shape policy, and ultimately lead to more patient/person-centred and inclusive approaches to health and care.

About this approach

Useful for talking with

Local people.

Purpose of this type of conversation

To have ongoing group conversations about local services and/or specific areas of focus. For example, Dorset’s Public Engagement Group focuses on engagement approaches, and its Digital Public Engagement Group focuses on digital innovations in health and care.

Type of conversation

Open conversations.

Training requirements

Training requirements vary depending on the specific group and its focus. Some groups may provide training on view seeking methods, while others may provide training on advocacy and communications skills.

Budget requirements

Budget requirements vary depending on the activity. There is a need to value the time and energy given and remove or minimise the financial barriers that prevent or discourage participation. Public volunteers should not be out-of-pocket because of their involvement. Reasonable expenses should be reimbursed for face to face or online activity to include travel, parking, carer cover, online meeting costs, refreshments, and venue bookings.

Time commitments

Varies. Groups often meet monthly for one or two hours, and there might be some pre-reading.

Patient and Public Voice Groups

Our local groups