Job Description

ADP Lived Experience Panel Member

Are you someone with direct lived or living experience of alcohol or drug use, or someone who has been directly affected by another person’s substance use? Your voice matters. Through Aberdeenshire Council’s Volunteering Pathway, the Aberdeenshire Alcohol and Drugs Partnership (ADP) is creating a safe, supportive and trauma‑informed space for people like you to help shape meaningful change.

What This Role Is About

As a Lived Experience Panel Member, you will use your knowledge and personal insight to help improve local drug and alcohol services and influence how policies and pathways are developed.

What You Can Expect

• A safe, respectful and supportive space where your experiences are valued.
• Bi‑monthly meetings with the Experiential Lead and fellow panel members.
• Choice of renumeration for your time at £13.45 per hour and any travel expenses – Discussed and Agreed before you start.
• Training, Support and Digital Access
• Opportunities to share what works well in services and what could feel better for people using them.
• Chances to comment on new ideas, guidance, consultations and service materials.
• Discussing real barriers people face, including stigma, inequalities, and access to support.
• Helping shape more compassionate, trauma‑informed and accessible services.

What We Value

• Personal lived experience
• Ability to always maintain confidentiality
• Honesty and openness.
• Respect for the experiences and views of others.
• Willingness to learn and grow together.
• Ability to give supportive and constructive feedback.
• working as part of a team.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the ADP Lived Experience Panel, we would love to hear from you.

We are looking for Lived Experience Panel Members across the Aberdeenshire area.

Requirements

Please submit a short expression of interest (around 200–400 words) by Friday the 27^th of March to amanda.stephen@aberdeenshire.gov.uk telling us:

• Why you would like to be part of the ADP panel
• What you hope might change or improve in local drug and alcohol services

There is no right or wrong way to write this. We are not looking for perfect grammar or formal applications — we are interested in your voice, your insight, and your lived experience.

If you would prefer to express your interest over the phone instead of writing it down, please call Amanda on 07345768295, and we can arrange a time to have a conversation.

We are committed to making this process accessible and supportive. If you need any adjustments or support to apply, please let us know.

Those who meet the criteria will be invited to an in-person informal interview in their local area.