About Visably

Visably supports people living with sight loss. Friends, neighbours, colleagues who make today fuller and tomorrow better just by being in it. We’re a small charity with a big heart and an even bigger community beside us, working together for nearly 100 years. We get the best technology into the hands of people who need it and stay until it clicks, growing confidence, connection and independence for every tomorrow.

Volunteers are the heart of Visably. As a volunteer, you're the person who gives reassurance, takes your time and comes back the second time. You're the reason the technology stops being something to worry about and starts being something people can't imagine living without.

We train you. We support you. And we guarantee it'll matter.

Role purpose

Your lived experience can help shape what we do and how we do it. As a Lived experience panel member, you’ll bring your experiences, ideas and perspective into conversations about Visably's services and future direction.

You’ll help us understand what works, what could work better and what really matters to people living with sight loss.

The panel is a space for open and constructive conversations. You don't need to be an expert in technology, charities or service design. We want to hear from people with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll be part of a group helping make sure lived experience is genuinely reflected in Visably's work. As a panel member you will:

• Attend quarterly Lived Experience Panel meetings, usually held online.
• Optional opportunities to represent lived experience in conversations with external organisations, partners and the wider public.
• Share your views, experiences and ideas in a way that feels comfortable for you.
• Provide feedback on Visably's services, technology and future plans.
• Help us understand what people living with sight loss need and value.
• Give feedback on communications, information and resources where appropriate.
• Help us explore how our services can be more accessible and inclusive.
• Share your perspective on new ideas and developments.
• Listen to and respect the experiences and opinions of other panel members.
• Take part in occasional opportunities to provide feedback between meetings where you are able to.
• Respect confidentiality when information shared with the panel isn't yet public.

Who we’re looking for

There isn't one type of person we're looking for. We want the panel to reflect the wide range of people and experiences within the sight loss community.

We’re particularly keen to hear from you if you:

• Have lived experience of sight loss, or bring relevant experience supporting someone living with sight loss.
• Are happy to share your views and experiences with others.
• Are willing to listen to different perspectives and experiences.
• Are interested in helping shape services and support for people living with sight loss.
• Can provide constructive and respectful feedback.
• Are willing to take part in regular panel meetings.
• Understand the importance of confidentiality where required.

We want our panel to include people of different ages, backgrounds and experiences from across the UK. We particularly welcome people from different ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, different parts of the country and people with a wide range of experiences of sight loss.

You don't need previous panel, committee or volunteering experience. We’ll provide an induction and ongoing support to help you take part.

What you’ll gain

Your experience has value, and we want being part of the panel to be valuable to you too. As a Lived Experience Panel member, you can expect:

• A meaningful opportunity to influence Visably's services and future direction.
• The opportunity to use your lived experience to help make a difference to others.
• Experience of contributing to the development of a national charity.
• Opportunities to build your confidence and experience.
• The chance to meet and hear from other people with different experiences of sight loss.
• Regular updates about how panel feedback has influenced our work.
• Accessible information and support to help you participate fully.
• Ongoing recognition for your contribution to Visably's work.

Location and time commitment

This is a remote, UK-wide role, with panel meetings usually taking place online.

The panel will usually meet quarterly, with meetings lasting approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.

There may also be occasional opportunities to provide feedback between meetings. We understand that people have other commitments, so these additional opportunities will be flexible.

Panel members will usually be invited to join for a two year term.

Induction, training and support

We’ll give you an induction to Visably, the work we do, the purpose of the Lived Experience Panel and how your contribution will help shape our work.

You’ll have a named Visably contact who will be there to support you throughout your time on the panel.

We’ll provide information in accessible formats and work with you to understand any adjustments or support you need to participate.

We’ll also keep you updated about what happens as a result of the panel's feedback, so you can see how your contribution is making a difference.

Safeguarding and confidentiality

We are committed to creating a safe and respectful environment for everyone taking part in the panel.

Panel members may occasionally hear about ideas, developments or information that isn't yet public. We’ll make it clear when information needs to remain confidential.

Any safeguarding or other requirements relevant to the role will be discussed as part of the recruitment and onboarding process.

How to apply

If you would like to become a Lived experience panel member or would like more information, please fill in the form below, or contact Sam, Visably's Volunteer and Projects Coordinator:

Email: sam@visably.org.uk
Phone: 07984 975024