At Neami, we are committed to embedding lived experience across all levels of our organisation. We know this work takes time, intention and a willingness to reflect on what’s working and where we need to improve.
Our Lived Experience leadership team recently explored how Neami is progressing towards the recommendations in the National Lived Experience Workforce Development Guidelines, in an in-depth report A Point in Time.
Delivered to Neami’s Board, the report provides insight into what has been achieved so far, the factors that have supported this journey, and what needs to happen next to strengthen and sustain this workforce.
Neami Chief Executive Officer Tom Dalton said, “We’re proud of the progress Neami has made towards embedding lived experience, including expanding training, strengthening supervision and increasing staff involvement in service design and workforce planning.
“These are meaningful steps, but we know there is still more to do. Being honest about both our achievements and our challenges is essential if we want to create lasting change, not just for our workforce but for the people and communities we support.”
The report highlights four areas for continued focus:
- Building a shared understanding of lived experience practice across Neami
- Co-designing a clear workforce strategy with staff in Lived Experience roles
- Strengthening internal structures such as supervision, documentation and support
- Ensuring diverse voices continue to shape how services and systems are designed
These focus areas will guide our next steps as we continue to build a safe, supported and sustainable Lived Experience workforce.
Neami employed its first peer workers in 2009. Today, more than 23 per cent of our staff are in designated Lived Experience roles, working across peer support, advocacy, education, research and leadership.
We acknowledge and thank the many staff, including those in designated and non-designated roles, who have played a central role in shaping this work.
Learn more about our Lived Experience workforce.