Working Together: Embedding Family Voice in PBS

“We involve families” isn’t enough. If you want to show commissioners that you genuinely embed family voice in your PBS model, you need to go further — and be specific.


🗣️ From Tokenism to Partnership

True embedding means:

  • Families help define what “positive outcomes” look like
  • They're involved early — not just at crisis point
  • You adapt communication methods to suit their needs
  • You use feedback loops to show their voice shapes service improvement

This approach builds trust, enhances consistency across settings, and shows you value lived experience as much as clinical or organisational insight.


📣 What to Say in Tenders

Describe your approach with clarity and confidence. Include:

  • Who is involved (e.g., family members, advocates, community reps)
  • When they’re involved (e.g., planning, reviews, risk assessments)
  • How you capture and act on their views

Commissioners want evidence that collaboration is real — not just claimed.


Written by Mike Harrison, Founder of Impact Guru Ltd — specialists in bid writing and strategy for social care providers

Visit impact-guru.co.uk to browse downloadable strategies, method statements, or get in touch about tender support.

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