Working as a team is an important part of being in the forum steering group. To help ensure this happens, it can be useful to agree a few ground rules for meetings and remind people of them at the start of each meeting. For example:
- Listen, and respect the views of others.
- Share ‘air time’ evenly.
- Avoid interrupting.
- Keep discussions to the point and try not to repeat.
- Respect the confidentiality of the meeting.
Research has shown that teams work best when they are ‘owned’ by the group not by an individual. Making sure each member of the group has a specific area on which they lead can be a good approach.
Show appreciation and check people are okay
Do not take it for granted that people are happy with the role they have been asked to carry out. Some people may have taken on roles due to a gap within the group, but this may not be something they enjoy. Take the time to check how people are finding the work. Give everyone the opportunity to talk about what is going well, and what they are finding difficult.
If someone is struggling, ask if they would benefit from attending a training course to increase their confidence and ability to perform a particular role. Find out if there is someone else who would be happy to share some of the work. You could mentor them. Or, if they are still not happy with that role, offer them something more suitable for their skill set.
It’s okay to take a break or reduce what you can do
There may be occasions when, due to the demands of personal or family life, the forum work becomes too much for one member. This is perfectly understandable. Steering group members should be encouraged to think about their personal wellbeing before that of the forum.
It may be that a member needs to reduce the amount of time given for the forum work. They may wish to step back from elements of the forum they find more challenging, such as particular workstreams or maybe managing social media.
If someone needs to take a break, agree how this will be supported. It can be helpful to have a single point of contact at the forum who will check in with the person taking a break at agreed intervals, to make sure they are okay. You may also want to remind them of the CIC wellbeing assistance programme if appropriate.
Sometimes, taking a brief break from the work will be enough. At times, other members may need to stand down for a time, cease active forum work or even resign from the committee. Individual members should be encouraged to consider all of the options available and do what is right for them.
TOP TIP
You may want to have a clause in your code of conduct or terms of reference about how members step away from forum work and what the process is for them to return when they are ready.
When you identify someone is struggling
It may be that others identify a member is doing too much, but they have not said anything to the group. It is important that everyone looks out for each other’s wellbeing.
Discuss this with them sensitively. They may be worried about letting people down and may not feel they can reduce what they are doing. It is important to make a suitable time and space to have the conversation and for everyone to feel they can be open and honest about their needs.
Take time to do things together
Some forums have shared that they have benefited from doing things together socially. This can include a range of activities such as more formal team building activities or going out for a meal or social event.
An example of this could be the forum spending some time reflecting on the forum’s activity and then sharing some time together having a meal or engaging in a fun activity.
Peer support
Sometimes it can be helpful to connect with other forums, particularly those nearby or serving similar communities.
Here are some ways to do this:
- Contacting your NNPCF regional director or Contact Adviser. They can help to introduce you to other forums in your area.
- Regional meetings – Forums often meet regionally, either in person or online. These meetings are a great way to connect with neighbouring forums or those in the same region.
- Annual conference – Many forums attend the conference and take the opportunity to network before or after the event. This is a great chance to link in with the wider parent carer forum network. For details, see this year’s dedicated conference page.
Updated November 2025
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Find out more about support for forums
CIC Assistance Programme
The CIC assistance programme is designed to help forums to carry out their role while maintaining their wellbeing.
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Our helpline
Get in touch via phone, email or social media for advice and support from our team.
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Listening Ear
Our 1-1 telephone appointments for parent carers looking for emotional support.
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Contact Parent Carer Participation Advisers
Parent Carer Participation Adviser's support the forum and provide a sounding board for the forum leadership. Find your forum's named adviser here.
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Support for forums
Find out more about all the different support available for forums.
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National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF)
In this section, we look at the role of the NNPCF that all forums are a member of.
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Find your local parent carer forum
View the full list of parent carer forums and their contact details.
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Introducing Ele, the new digital wellbeing service
Ele is the new digital wellbeing platform delivered by CiC, our wellbeing and forum support provider. Click the button to view the online learning session recording.
