We can’t ignore who holds power and how it is wielded (and handed over) by individuals and organisations, including Become. Those who take part in our work need to share this power and the benefits – both individually and collectively. We must show our working with everyone involved and identify the different forms that power can take, even if it’s uncomfortable to do so. Only then will we create more equitable structures which share power and responsibility.

Relationships come first, and our work to improve the care system begins with developing trust. We recognise this must be demonstrated before it’s earned, especially for those who have had poor experiences with ‘participation’ work beforehand. We aim to harness the power of a community with shared ambitions and mutual respect, and to create safe spaces for you to meet others, feel comfortable, work collaboratively, and disagree well. Part of what we do is about the destination and the impact our work has, but we don’t neglect the journey we all take to get there and what this brings to individuals and to Become.

Conversation is good, but creating things is even better. We believe that we all get more enjoyment, uncover richer insights and achieve greater impact when we’re producing something together to illustrate where your efforts have gone. Your participation shouldn’t be only advisory or consultative. Showing our work gives everyone something to be proud of, and creates legacy and impact.

People’s lives change, often faster than we might expect. Our work must allow everyone to curate their own involvement to suit their circumstances – both now and as they change. We never want anyone to feel indebted but free to take ownership and set the terms of their involvement, whether that’s reflecting their time, interests, experiences, skills or anything else.

There’s no single model, framework or plan which describes what ‘meaningful’ participation looks and feels like. Instead, we take lessons from everywhere and embrace new and innovative ways of doing things. We promise to engage in open and honest reflection with everyone involved, learn from our mistakes when they happen, and adapt quickly to feedback on what’s working well and what isn’t.

The drive to recognise and respect lived experience is right, but it can also be exhausting. Working to change the very systems which have caused harm isn’t always easy or straightforward. We recognise the emotional impact of this work for everyone involved and offer whatever support you might need to take part comfortably and safely. We will help you to do this with confidence by providing opportunities for skill development, so you can take what you’ve learned into your work with us and beyond.

Experiences of care are diverse and unique. We always need to consider who is and who isn’t in the room – which voices are more easily heard, and which voices are overlooked, ignored or even silenced. We take positive action approaches and reach out wherever possible to bring in those who might be missing. We never claim to be representative or speak for any individual or community, but use the power we do have to step forward when we’re able to speak alongside young people with honesty and integrity – and step back when we can’t.