Advisory groups & lived experience engagement
Bringing lived experience into decision-making.
The Reily Foundation works with government, researchers, service providers and community organisations to meaningfully engage people with lived experience in policy, program design, service improvement and system reform.
Through facilitated advisory groups, consultation activities and lived experience networks, we help organisations hear directly from the people most affected by the decisions they make.
Our approach creates safe, supported and structured opportunities for lived experience voices to inform better outcomes for families and communities.
Why lived experience matters
People with lived experience offer unique insights that cannot be obtained through data, policy analysis or professional expertise alone.
When organisations engage lived experience meaningfully, they gain a deeper understanding of what is working, where barriers exist, and how systems can be improved.
The Reily Foundation specialises in creating environments where lived experience can be shared safely, respectfully and constructively.
We support participants to contribute confidently while helping organisations translate insights into practical improvements.
How we support organisations
- Co-Design & Consultation: Engage parents with lived experience to inform the development of programs, services, policies and strategic initiatives.
- Advisory Groups & Panels: Establish lived experience reference groups and advisory panels to provide ongoing insight and feedback.
- Community Engagement: Facilitate workshops, focus groups and consultation activities with parents and families.
- Strategic Reform Projects: Support organisations seeking to embed lived experience in system reform, planning and decision-making processes.
OUR CURRENT PROJECTS
Direct experience Group (DEG)
Facilitated by The Reily Foundation and supported by the South Australian Minister for Child Protection, the Direct Experience Group brings together parents with lived experience of the child protection system to provide advice and recommendations on system improvement.
Reily Experience Insight Network (REIN)
A growing network of parents and carers who contribute to consultation, research, advisory and co-design opportunities across South Australia.
Participants can engage in one-off projects, workshops, focus groups, research activities and advisory opportunities.
Partner with us
Looking for lived experience engagement?
Whether you are designing a new program, reviewing an existing service, undertaking research or seeking community input, Reily can help you engage lived experience in a meaningful and respectful way.
