A participatory design project that shifts Neighbourhood Networks advisory group to become member-led, supporting the organisation's governance system to centre lived experience through peer support, and shared decision-making
Client
Neighbourhood Networks, a charity that works with communities across Scotland to reduce isolation and promote independent living through peer-led support.Challenge
To improve member engagement in governance, Neighbourhood Networks created the Neighbourhood Advisory Group (NNAG) as a more informal and accessible complement to the charity’s board. However, participation remains low, meaning members’ voices are not fully represented. Our task was to strengthen the NNAG so it works more meaningfully and ensures members are genuinely heard.
Methods
Staff depth interviews with both frontline and senior staff to capture a range of perspectives.
Ethnography by attending an independent network and regularly joining the Musselburgh Transitions group to get to know members.
Interviews and consultation with Disabled People’s Organisations across Scotland to gather insights on governance and inclusion.
Outcomes
The proposed service shifted the advisory group's aim from focusing on member feedback to becoming truly member-led. This keeps the organisation relevant, meaningful, and attractive to funders. It also means decentralising communication so members connect directly with one another, supported by more visual, audio, and video information. We recognised many of Neighbourhood Networks' members needed more support to become involved with the advisory group, while others were not able to commit to being part of the group, staying in the loop through regular communication from the advisory group was important to them.
Direct Communication
Digital invites sent to all members before NNAG meetings, outlining what will be discussed and welcoming them to attend.
A dedicated NNAG email address so members can communicate directly and independently, without going through staff.
Support
NNAG members record short video updates after each meeting, shared at monthly network meetings so members know what NNAG is, who is involved, and can make an informed decision about joining.
Community Living Workers encourage discussion of these topics in regular network meetings, creating safe and comfortable spaces. Optionally, they can share feedback from these discussions back to the NNAG.
Structure
A toolkit to help the NNAG move from staff-led to member-led, reducing power imbalances.
An external facilitator to run meetings, held in informal community spaces rather than staff offices.
A stronger focus on social motivations for joining — with activities before and after meetings to strengthen relationships between NNAG members and staff, making collaboration easier.
Project Process
analysis and synthesis: making sense of the data and developing insights to shape prototypes for new service proposal
testing: shared prototypes with Community Living Workers at the organisation
deliver final outcome: toolkit shared with the team at Neighbourhood Networks
share with stakeholders: presenting the toolkit, invite and other service interventions at their team meeting