Scottish Government and Social Security Scotland are looking for volunteers to join the Experience Panels.

The Experience Panels are one of the ways they will ensure social security in Scotland is based on putting the user first, and involving the people of Scotland in the design of processes and services.

They are looking for people with recent experience of the following benefits, either as someone who receives the benefits, or as a parent, guardian, appointee or power of attorney for someone receiving these benefits:

Personal Independence Payment
Disability Living Allowance
Attendance Allowance
Carer’s Allowance
Funeral Expenses Payment
Cold Weather Payment
Winter Fuel Payment
Industrial Injuries Disability Benefit

Experience Panels Members will have a choice of activities they can take part in. Some will be about the social security system in general and others will be more specific to certain experiences (e.g. focusing on an individual benefit). Taking part may include completing short surveys, or taking part in interviews and workshops. Activities can be carried out face-to-face, on the phone and online.

People can only become an Experience Panels Member is they have personal experience of any of these benefits, or are a legal appointee for someone with personal experience.

Experience Panel Members are regularly invited to take part in survey, interviews and meetings, and are welcome to take part as much or as little as they like. Participating in the Experience Panels, or not, will not affect members’ benefits – the panels are completely voluntary, and members can leave at any time. All information given is strictly confidential.

To register as an Experience Panels Member, or for further information, please visit the Scottish Government website.