Engagement and involvement: outstanding

W3. How are the people who use the service, the public and staff engaged and involved?

Characteristics of services we would rate as outstanding in this area

Managers develop, discuss, promote and implement innovative ways of involving people in developing high-quality, outstanding practice that is sustained over time. It achieves and develops authoritative quality standards for the sector.

There are consistently high levels of constructive engagement with staff and people who use services, including all equality groups.

Rigorous and constructive challenge from people who use services, the public and stakeholders is welcomed and seen as a vital way of holding services to account.

The service is an important part of its community. It develops community links to reflect the changing needs and preferences of the people who use it.

The service finds innovative and creative ways to enable people to be empowered and voice their opinions. They and staff are actively encouraged to discuss any concerns. There are high levels of open engagement when they do.