We do better by knowing what works and what doesn’t. Any good business/service understands its data and processes and those which do not, waste much effort, money and time to achieve the same goals.

Understanding the impact that policies and procedures have on vulnerable individuals is important, as it lets us know if those policies and procedures are actually serving the purpose they intended. Knowing if systems work involves observing the efficacy of their associated processes asking vulnerable individuals how they are affected. This task takes effort and experience, especially where service-users are children, vulnerable adults, or those behind lock and key, but it is not hard, or unachievable. Lesley specialises in sensitive research with vulnerable groups – not to “give vulnerable people a voice”, but to help ensure the voices they already have are listened to properly.

“There are no ‘hard-to-reach’ children…..just those that are easier to ignore“