Critical Perspectives on User Involvement

Drawing on contributions from user activists and academic researchers, this topical reader provides a critical stock take of the state of user involvement. It considers different contexts in which such involvement is taking place and includes diverse and sometimes conflicting perspectives on the issues involved. This original and insightful critique will be an important resource for students studying health and social care and social work, researchers and user activists.

Marian Barnes is currently Professor of Social Policy at the University of Brighton. She has both researched and worked with service user and carer groups for over 20 years and has also studied public participation in different policy contexts. is Senior Research Fellow at the University of Southampton. He has a nursing background and whilst working in palliative care developed an active interest in service user involvement. Since then he has worked with many service user groups and individuals with a focus on research.