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2025 Highlights from Choice Support’s Public Engagement Network (PEN)
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Members of our team reveal their highlights from the year as 2025 draws to a close
Josie Walker, PEN Team Leader
My highlight for 2025 has been joining Choice Support as part of the Public Engagement Network team and having the opportunity to connect with and learn from PEN members through a variety of meetings and consultations.
It has been truly enlightening to hear such a wide range of feedback and experiences and incredibly rewarding to play a part in ensuring those voices are heard directly by the CQC.
Being involved in this process has shown me how real, meaningful change can happen when people are given the space to share their views and influence improvements.
Diane Lewis, Community Engagement Officer for the Midlands
There have been many highlights for me this year. As the Public Engagement Network has grown, I’ve been able to engage with many diverse groups and people who use health and care services across the Midlands.
I’ve heard peoples’ lived experiences of care, including in dementia and mental health services. I’ve engaged with individuals, local community groups and big national charities to gain real insight into the health and social care experiences of people who have protected characteristics. I began learning British Sign Language (BSL) to ensure that PEN becomes more inclusive.
Outside of work, I’ve also been involved in a community-based support project, which was awarded this year’s Project Award by the National Federation of Tenant Managed Organisations (NFTMO).
Emma Noon, Community Engagement Officer for London and the East of England
My 2025 highlight is joining the PEN team!
I’ve enjoyed getting to know the team and building the network across London and the East of England this year. I have been engaging with PEN members across the area, and also managed to get invited to a couple of their Christmas celebrations!
I have also valued my involvement in the PEN Advisory Group for Autistic People and People with a Learning Disability - and look forward to seeing advisory group members at our next meeting in February.
Ellen Brown, Community Engagement Officer for the South of England
This year, I have enjoyed working with a really supportive team here at PEN.
This has helped me realise the extent of what we can do in our roles as Community Engagement Officers but also understand the extent of what we can do within PEN.
The stories we hear inspire us to make a difference and give us the drive to reach the people we do and to give them a voice.
Leading on the PEN Children and Young People's Advisory Group, which was set up earlier this year, was another highlight of 2025.
Brittany Hutchings, PEN Communications Officer
This year has been particularly rewarding as Communications Officer for Choice Support’s Public Engagement Network (PEN) as the network has grown and as CQC has been making changes to how it works as well.
Engagement with CQC colleagues has meant that PEN members’ voices have been more important than ever, and the growth of our team at PEN means we have been able to hear more voices as part of our engagement.
I have especially appreciated hearing from members about the work they are doing to support the people they represent, especially at what has been a challenging time economically for many of our members. I look forward to hearing more about the incredible work you are doing around the country in 2026 as well.
