Confident Conversations exists to enable constructive and respectful relationships between parents and carers, speaking for their child in hospital, and the medical professionals who care for them, to support the best possible outcomes for patients.
We currently provide a comprehensive online resource for parents and carers in hospital with their child. We are:
(i) User-led: all products and new initiatives must be co-produced with parents/carers. We will create a Parent/Carer Forum to advise on the creation of new products and initiatives. The Forum will be recruited broadly but will self-selecting so will be reviewed annually to ensure diversity. Products will be routinely reviewed and refreshed, as necessary, with the continuing support for the Forum. Members of the Forum will also be encouraged to suggest new products, and alternative ways of delivering and/or developing our service.
(ii) Digital by default. We need to be where parents/carers need us, when they need us. Which means we need to be accessible all day, every day. The most efficient and effective way of doing this is online. Parents/carers in hospital usually have access to a mobile phone and most hospitals have free (albeit slow) WiFi. We may consider individual services, either in-person or on the phone, in future.
(iii) As easy to access as possible. The information must be written in Plain English; and must be online, free and clearly signposted (through advertising and partnerships). The most efficient way of doing this is through a mobile-optimised website. We should also explore the possibility of translating pages into other languages. We may consider developing an app in future.
(iv) Independent. Confident Conversations is committed to remaining independent from the NHS and associated bodies (e.g. Royal Colleges). We will always prioritise the needs of those who advocate for patients in hospital who cannot effectively advocate for themselves, and must be seen to be doing so. Building and maintaining the trust of our service users is paramount.
(v) Inclusive. Confident Conversations is committed to being a values-led organisation. No one should feel excluded deliberately or inadvertently by our work. All our work, including our interactions with each other, stakeholders and those we support, is guided by the following core principles:
Confidence in engaging with, and challenging, our work at all levels. We must be welcoming and supportive to ensure this happens.
Our trustees play a vital role - they oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They enable Confident Conversations to...
