Publisher's Synopsis
A key aim for many service providers and users is to include people with learning difficulties in the organisation of the services they use. More providers are beginning to achieve this by directly involving people with learning difficulties in staff recruitment. Service users themselves have also highlighted this role as crucial if they are to be fully involved in the planning and delivery of services. Choosing staff explores experience to date in statutory, voluntary and residential services in different parts of the country. The report examines: * how people with learning difficulties are helping to choose the staff who work with them; * when and where user participation on staff recruitment is most likely to take place and whether it has been successful; * the problems encountered by people with learning difficulties and their supporters, as they have worked through the staff recruitment process. The report provides answers to many practical questions, such as what kind of support and training is needed, and whether people with learning difficulties can successfully implement equal opportunities guidelines and handle issues of confidentiality. Choosing staff is essential reading for policy makers, managers and practitioners, support workers and advocates working and /or living with people with learning difficulties.