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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a case study tracking the development and engagement of a group of experts by experience (The Independent Futures (IF) Group) who provided a lived experience voice to the Bristol Golden Key (GK) partnership within the Fulfilling Lives programme. The case study reports the genesis and impact of the group, as well as the facilitators of impact and experiences of the group members and those they worked in partnership with. Design/methodology/approach The research adopted an iterative approach drawing on multiple data sources over an eight-year period. An inductive ethnographic analysis of stakeholder and partnership meetings was combined with documentary analysis and thematic analysis of interviews with experts by experience and service providers. Findings The voice of lived experience provided by the IF group contributed to the GK partnership through various channels. Evidence of this contribution and its impact was found at programme, city-wide and national levels of the service ecosystem. Furthermore, IF members recognised the value of the group in contributing to systems change and service improvement, but also for themselves. Practical implications This case study serves to illustrate the impact of the lived experience voice on services and systems change, specifically the provision of that voice from a formalised advisory group. The successes and challenges of the group and the experiences of its members are reported with a view to sharing learning that may influence future co-production initiatives with experts by experience and service provision for those experiencing multiple disadvantage. Originality/value The insights provided by the longitudinal observation of the group as it was formed and evolved, coupled with insights provided by the experts by experience, have important implications for facilitating and supporting sustainable lived experience input.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present insights into the way in which system change can be activated around the provision of services and support for people experiencing multiple disadvantages in an urban setting. Design/methodology/approach This paper is informed by a thematic analysis of reflections, reports, learning logs, interviews and experiences of those “activating” system change in the Golden Key partnership in Bristol between 2014 and 2021. Findings Four themes are identified, including “creating the conditions for change”, “framing your involvement”, “investing in relationships” and “reflective practice and learning”. For each of these, an illustrative vignette is provided. Practical implications Practical recommendations and reflective questions are provided with suggestions of further considerations for applying this approach in different contexts. Originality/value This paper describes an original approach of activating and supporting people to do system change to improve the lives of people facing multiple disadvantages.

Purpose The current paper presents a case study tracking the development and engagement of a group of experts by experience (The Independent Futures Group) who provided a lived experience voice to the Bristol Golden Key partnership within the Fulfilling Lives programme. The case study reports the genesis and impact of the group, as well as the facilitators of impact, and experiences of the group members and those they worked in partnership with. Design/methodology/approachThe research adopted an iterative approach drawing on multiple data sources over an eight year period. An inductive ethnographic analysis of stakeholder and partnership meetings, was combined with documentary analysis and thematic analysis of interviews with experts by experience and service providers.FindingsThe voice of lived experience provided by the Independent Futures (IF) group contributed to the Golden Key partnership through various channels. Evidence of this contribution, and its impact was found at programme, city-wide and national levels of the service ecosystem. Furthermore, IF members recognised the value of the group in contributing to systems change and service improvement, but also for themselves. OriginalityThe insights provided by longitudinal observation of the group as it was formed and evolved, coupled with insights provided by the experts by experience, have important implications for facilitating and supporting sustainable lived experience input. Practical ImplicationsThis case study serves to illustrate the impact of the lived experience voice on services and systems change, and specifically the provision of that voice from a formalised advisory group. The successes and challenges of the group, and the experiences of its members are reported with a view to sharing learning that may influence future co-production initiatives with experts by experience, and, service provision for those experiencing multiple disadvantage.