The first question I have is why is the survey being formulated without member input first in what should be in it? @RachSANECEO If the syndication partner organisations are those being initially consulted then the survey itself will naturally be skewed towards their needs and therefore not necessarily relate to those of the forum members themselves. There is no point putting out a survey that does not correlate to the needs of the forum issues when members have not had that input. 

This is a major issue with so many of the surveys, working groups/consultations that happen in the wider MH field. The latest 'consultation' by the National Mental Health Commission did the same - the results were pre-determined by the questions they asked and little or no scope was given to actually 'hear' what people were actually saying.

The first step in this co-design SHOULD be an open invitation to our (considerable) membership to bring up the issues they see/have with the forums AND THEN a comprehensive survey designed for all members to have the opportunity to complete.

This process should also not just be posted in the forums but sent out to all members in the form of a newsletter or email with the scope to submit questions an/or issues without it being on the open forum ...as not everyone is confident nor feels safe bringing some of those issues up on an open forum.

As for the scope for members to contribute and some be paid for their time - whilst I understand that is policy for SANE and most organisations now - it does also exclude others' voices when the threshold has been reached. 

I am, of course, very vocal in my advocacy for member contributions in this field but am also disillusioned by previous such 'consultations' where there has been a lack of follow-up or indeed ongoing communication with and for the members. I do hope this is different but apprehensive about the actual input the community will have in such changes.

More than happy to continue the discussion, be involved and most importantly advocate for the members here that have collectively so much knowledge, insight and contributions to make.