Guidance

Annex A: example leaflet for recruiting panellists

Published 13 February 2023

Applies to England

Here is an example of some background information you may wish to draw from in developing a leaflet to recruit Start for Life parent and carer panellists locally.

These are suggestions and we have indicated where you may want to tailor your engagement to suit the needs of your local community by adding further details.

Example leaflet wording

Thank you for your interest in helping us make sure that services for babies and families are the best they can be.

We really want your help to improve the services that all parents and carers can access from pregnancy through to their child’s second birthday. Please join our parent and carer panel and tell us what you think.

About the panel

Who we are looking for

We would love to hear from you if you are either currently expecting a baby or have a baby under the age of 2. We want to hear from a diverse group of parents and carers to ensure we listen to all voices in the community.

This means that you do not need to have taken part in anything like this before. If you’re willing to share your experiences of pregnancy, having a baby and accessing services then we’d love to hear from you.

What we will talk about at parent and carer panel meetings

Topics for discussion will be varied – for example, you might be asked about your experience of meeting your midwife for the first time or accessing parenting classes. You will also be invited to share any ideas you have on early years services to shape their design.

Where and when meetings will be held

We know that parents and carers are busy. We will work with the panel to find a time that works for as many of the group as possible.

[Add further details about the location and time of meetings here.]

Who else will be part of the panel

The panel will include other parents and carers like you, who are willing to speak about their current or recent experiences of expecting a baby or of having a child under 2 years old.

There will also be a facilitator and note-taker present at the sessions.

[Add further details about how big the panel will be and who will be included here.]

What will happen to the information you share

We are interested in your experiences. The information you share will be used anonymously to shape services in your area and help improve the quality of care that other new families receive.

We will take notes from the meetings, but no personally identifiable information will be recorded or shared beyond the meeting.

What’s in it for you

Not only will you be contributing to ideas to improve services for you and your child in your area, but you will also receive…

[Add further details of any additional training, qualification or transferable skills parents and carers can gain as a result of their participation, or other incentives you are able to offer here.]

How long you can be part of the panel

We would like you to take part and contribute to the panel for long enough to benefit from the experience. This will depend on when you decide to join, and how recent your experiences of expecting a baby or accessing services with a baby under 2 years old are.

We will agree some approximate dates with you when you join, but you are welcome to remain part of the panel for at least 6 months after your youngest child turns 2 years old.

Leaving the panel

You are free to leave the panel at any point.