The Service User Representative voluntary roles are a vital part of the Maternity Voices Partnership.

Volunteering for us in this capacity is a fantastic opportunity for you both personally and professionally. Not only will you be able to make a difference to maternity services, but you will be able to grow your skills and network in a supportive, friendly environment.

We would encourage anyone who has used Dorset’s maternity services in the last five years to apply, as well as those who currently work with local families (eg. breastfeeding peer supporters, antenatal educators, doulas etc.) or those who work for related charitable organisations.

Your main task will be speaking to other parents and families and feeding their views and experiences back to the Maternity Voices Partnership Chairs.

It’s about listening to other parents at baby and toddler groups, on social media, at the school gates… everyone’s voice is important. If you work with parents and families, you will already have so much valuable feedback that can be used to improve our services.

We will ask you to attend a Maternity Voices Partnership meeting online occasionally. This meeting will be attended by families, clinicians, commissioners and other stakeholders. You will be encouraged to share and discuss the feedback you’ve received over the previous two months (if you are comfortable to do so).

The meetings may have specific themes, or you may be asked for input on work being done – this is a chance to really help shape maternity services in Dorset.

If you have a specific area of interest (eg. infant feeding, neonatal care, equality and diversity, maternal mental health etc) please let us know – we may be able to involve you in specific pieces of work which are relevant to your interests and expertise.

These are unpaid positions but you will be able to claim travel expenses and childcare costs for attending meetings.

If you have a passion for improving maternity services in Dorset, an interest in listening to parents and families about their experiences then we would love to hear from you!