Service User Representation - Service Users' Charter

Momentum's Service Users' Charter of Rights and Responsibilities plays a crucial role in ensuring that people across Scotland with disabilities or who are excluded have their rights and responsibilities clearly defined and upheld.

The Charter was launched by Malcolm Chisholm, MSP, then Minister for Health and Community Care in October 2002. All of Momentum's service users, in conjunction with staff, were involved in developing the Charter over a twelve month period.

The Service Users' Charter of Rights and Responsibilities is a unique document, which defines the rights framework within which all of our 2200 clients will receive Momentum services. It outlines service users' rights across a number of areas, including the right to equal training, employment and development opportunities. The Charter also focuses on shared responsibility and accountability at a service user level.

The Charter formalises our philosophy that our programmes are a two way process where clients participate 100% in helping Momentum to develop policies and programmes.

Malcolm Chisholm, MSP, said, "This Charter demonstrates Momentum's commitment to their service users and staff and a strong commitment to providing a consistently high quality of services to both these groups. The Charter not only allows service users to be aware of what they can expect but also encourages them to be aware of what is expected of them, a beneficial skill to take with them into an employment situation."

All of Momentum's staff and service user induction training includes the Charter. It is currently undergoing its a review with staff, service users and managers and will be updated shortly.