Service User and Carers’ Advisory Group
The Service User and Carers’ Advisory Group was formed in 2004 and is embedded in every aspect of the Doctorate level Clinical Psychology training programme.
Our work includes
- Consultation on all aspects of the curriculum
- Co-producing and presenting lectures
- Holding Research Drop In sessions for trainees to consult on their research projects to ensure meaningful lived experience involvement
- Co-producing the admissions and interview process and sitting on all interview panels for applicants to the programme
- Regular ‘business’ meetings between members, staff and trainees
- Working groups to collaborate on particular aspects of the course e.g. the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy teaching module.
Aims and objectives
- To include the views and experiences of Service Users and Carers in training clinical psychologists
- To train clinical psychologists who are sensitive and supportive of Service Users and Carers
- To ensure our psychologists make a positive difference to Service Users’ and Carers’ lives.
We already know from feedback from staff, supervisors and trainees that our work is highly respected. This was confirmed in 2021 when the group received a DISTINCTION from the British Psychological Society for our contributions to the trainees’ experience of clinical psychology training at Surrey.
In April 2023 the group was HIGHLY COMMENDED by the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapists (BABCP) accreditation team.
We pay our members for their contributions and we also understand that being a Service User/Carer means that life happens and there is no pressure to commit. You chose as and when it is convenient for you. We carry out our work in person when appropriate and via Zoom.
Contact
If you are interested in hearing more, please contact:
Sharon Galliford (Chair) - s.galliford@surrey.ac.uk