The Network is the Key: How KeyRing supports vulnerable adults in the community

Change management

KeyRing Members have often previously experienced more traditional types of social care in which they have been disempowered in terms of their own life choices and marginalised within their local community. Membership of a KeyRing Network turns this on its head by restoring personal autonomy and opening up opportunities for the person to receive from and contribute to the Network, develop good neighbour relationships and sustainable community connections and access paid or voluntary work.

Personal change and growth is supported through an individual planning process. Meanwhile, the development of the Network is supported through a process of local community planning which enables KeyRing Members to identify what works well in their Network and their community and use this to inspire a plan of Network activity. Networks use this process to think about how they share skills and resources, make stronger connections with their communities and bring about positive changes.

To support this, KeyRing operates a Small Sparks Fund which provides small grants to resource Members, either individually or collectively, to take forward an idea that enhances their community. Examples include a community allotment, a football team and a drama project.

As co-production is at the heart of the Network model, inevitably this infuses all other aspects of the organisation.  This results in KeyRing Network Members being involved in the running of the organisation to a much greater extent than in other social care organisations. There is a range of initiatives and structures that support this, including:

• There is a Member Involvement structure of Network meetings, regional and national forums which mirrors the management structure and enables Members to agree shared activities and to link with the wider organisation.

• KeyRing has four Member trustees who are part of the Members’ National Forum and are full Board Members, with all the authority and responsibility that that entails. Member trustees receive additional training and meeting preparation so that they come to Board meetings well-informed and able to contribute on an equal footing with other trustees.

• The Members’ National Forum has run two national conferences, the most recent being in 2009. This was held at Warwick University and attracted around 300 delegates. Members made all key decisions concerning the conference and were fully involved in the practical aspects of running it.

• KeyRing Members are the organisation’s best advocates and are regularly involved in delivering presentations and marketing to local authorities.

• KeyRing Members are involved in all aspects of the staff and volunteer selection processes and have an equal say with managers on appointments.

• KeyRing Members have editorial control of the organisation’s bi-monthly newspaper.

• KeyRing has supported the Working for Justice Group which campaigns on behalf of people with learning disabilities who have experience of the criminal justice system. As part of this work, KeyRing Members have been involved in providing prison officer training in every prison in England on working with people with learning disabilities.

Jill Parker
provided Governance International with this case study on 25th June 2010