Queensland Framework for the Development of Mental Health Lived Experience Workforce

In November 2017, a group of lived experience leaders from across Queensland organised a one-day workshop to discuss lived experience-led research findings3 in relation to lived experience workforce development and consider implications for the state. Following this event, these leaders provided a position paper to the Queensland Mental Health Commission (the Commission) outlining the recommendations they felt should be prioritised. Following discussions it was determined that developing a framework to assist organisations to implement the research findings was the key strategic priority. The purpose of this framework is to support the development and expansion of lived experience roles across Queensland. It is intended to be broad, flexible, adaptive and evolving over time. The framework seeks to strengthen understanding and collaboration across the mental health sector and contribute to more effective services and better outcomes for people accessing services. The framework is a tool to assist and guide organisations across sectors and along all stages of lived experience workforce development. It is anticipated the framework will provide a guiding document for widespread use in the public, non-government and private sectors to inform development of the lived experience workforce and improve lived experience employment and collaboration within mental health settings. The framework is comprised of a suite of resources that together provide a comprehensive package to cover different aspects of lived experience workforce development and provide guidance to identify effective lived experience practice and employment.