The Participation Workers Network for England exists to provide opportunities for adults for whom participation is part of their daily work, to network, share new ideas and learn more about the participation landscape.
Why was it introduced?
The need for a Participation Workers Network was first recognised and recommended in the Carnegie UK Trust report Circus Skills by Kylie Kilgour. To download a copy, click here
Through consultation, Kilgour found that many Participation Workers were demanding more opportunities for training, support and development in their professional skills basis. She concludes that one way of achieving this was through a national network.
How is it organised?
The network is run by a Network Co-ordinator based at CYPI, Abi Carter, and a steering group made up of participation workers. On the steering group are currently:
| Sarah Penny | Worcestershire Youth Service |
| Richard Frank | Cumbria Connexions |
| Stuart Dunne | Blackpool Youth Service |
| Gill Barn | Yorkshire and Humberside Regional Assembly |
| Melanie Parr | East Sussex Participation Unit |
| Sara Bryson | Sure Start Armstrong |
| Hary Wade | National Youth Agency |
| Lisa Politt | Cambridgeshire Youth Service |
| Lucy Read | National Chidren’s Bureau |
| Rahila Henderson | Devon Youth Service |
| Carly Raby | Luna Training |
| Esta Orchard | Greater London Authority |
| Donna Hilton | Nottingham Hospital |
The steering meet approximately 4 times a year to think strategically about the functions of the network and to organise seminars and events. The group also have telephone conferences in between meetings. To contribute to the steering group or make suggestions e-mail abi
How often does the Network meet?
Carnegie YPI and the Steering Group are currently organising two to three regional seminars a year and one national conference in London. Each seminar is an all day event, and offers opportunities for participants to attend workshops around a specific theme. The last seminar was held in October 2005. To find out more click here
