01. Send a short email
Introduce yourself and tell us briefly about the lived experience you would bring, the types of work that interest you and whether you are generally looking for in-person, online or hybrid opportunities.
Join LENs
Bring your lived experience to work that can use it
If you have personal experience as a patient, through accessing health or social care services, or as a carer, you can express an interest in joining LENs as an Expert by Experience.
Our work gives people opportunities to bring what they have learned through experience into service review, research, co-production, advisory work, training, events and other projects.
You can read more about what an Expert by Experience is before expressing your interest.
Frequently asked questions
Joining LENs FAQs
Do I need professional experience in health or social care?+
No. The starting point is lived experience as a patient, through accessing services, or as a carer. Some opportunities may also call for particular skills or experience, which will be explained when the role is discussed.
Does my experience have to be recent?+
Not necessarily. Relevance will depend on the activity, setting and question. Tell us enough about your experience for LENs to understand where it may fit.
Do I have to share my whole personal story?+
No. Expert by Experience work should have a clear purpose, and you should not feel required to disclose every part of your experience. What is relevant will depend on the role and will be discussed with you.
Will I be speaking on behalf of all patients or carers?+
No. You bring your own knowledge and perspective. You may also help listen to or review what other people have said, but no individual can represent every experience.
Is the work in person or online?+
Both are possible, as well as hybrid activity. The format depends on the opportunity and the organisation involved.
Will I be employed by the organisation where I work?+
Not usually through the LENs placement service. Some Experts by Experience are recruited and employed by LENs, then placed in an agreed role within another organisation. Other work may be arranged as an individual assignment. LENs will explain the arrangement before you agree to take part.
Are there checks before I can take part?+
Yes. LENs completes right-to-work checks, references and Disclosure and Barring Service checks as part of its process. Additional requirements may depend on the role or setting.
Does expressing an interest guarantee work?+
No. Opportunities depend on the projects available and the experience needed for each one. Expressing an interest allows LENs to consider where your experience may be relevant.
How do I contact LENs?+
Email info@lens-network.com with a short introduction, the lived experience you would bring and the kinds of work that interest you.
What the role means
What is an Expert by Experience?
An Expert by Experience is someone who brings knowledge developed through direct experience of health or social care. That may come from being a patient, accessing a service, or caring for and supporting someone who does.
It does not mean that one person is expected to represent every patient or carer. People bring their own experience, reflect on what they have learned and contribute to a specific piece of work within an agreed role.
Professional qualifications are not required simply to express an interest. What matters is relevant lived experience, the ability to work within the purpose and boundaries of an activity, and a willingness to listen as well as contribute.
Who can express an interest
You may be eligible to join LENs if you have lived experience of:
LENs works across a range of settings and subjects. A person's experience may be relevant to some opportunities and not others. Expressing an interest does not guarantee that a particular role or assignment will be available.
- being a patient in a health or social care setting
- accessing health, mental health, autism, learning disability, social care or related services
- caring for or supporting someone who accesses services
Ways to contribute
Experts by Experience can contribute in different ways
Opportunities may take place in person, online or in a hybrid format. Some arrangements may involve employment by LENs and placement in an organisation. Others may relate to an individual assignment. The arrangement and expectations will be explained for the relevant opportunity.
- visiting a service and contributing to a review or assessment
- listening to patient and/or carer feedback
- taking part in an advisory board or steering group
- contributing to a co-production workshop or service redesign project
- reviewing policies, information, training materials or other documents
- helping with interviews, focus groups, research or evaluation
- testing a product, service, resource or digital process
- contributing to training, a panel, a discussion or an event
- taking up an agreed Expert by Experience role placed within an organisation
How interest is considered
What happens after you contact us
02. LENs reviews the information
We consider whether your experience may be relevant to the kinds of work LENs undertakes. We may contact you to learn more about your interests, experience and availability.
03. Required checks are completed
Where LENs progresses an application, the process includes identity and right-to-work checks, references and a Disclosure and Barring Service check. The level and timing of any check will be explained as part of the process.
04. Relevant opportunities are discussed
If a suitable role or assignment becomes available, LENs will explain the purpose, format, expectations and arrangement before asking whether you would like to be considered.
Start a conversation
Express your interest in joining LENs
Send us a short email about your lived experience and the kinds of activity that interest you. You do not need to write a formal application at this stage.