IJB Voting Rights for People with Lived Experience
New voting rights for people with lived experience who sit on Integration Joint Boards (IJBs) comes into force on 1 September 2026.
The change applies to current and future elected lived experience representative members of the IJB. This includes:
- Service users – People who use services and can share what it is like to receive care
- Unpaid carers – People who support family members, friends or neighbours. They understand the day-to-day reality of care
- Third sector representatives – People from charities and voluntary organisations who work closely with communities
These members will have the same voting rights as IJB members representing the NHS Health Board and local authority.
People with lived experience have been clear in their ask for voting rights on IJBs. This change represents a positive step towards improving and enhancing participation in local decision-making, recognising that people with lived experience bring valuable knowledge and can be more meaningfully engaged in shaping decisions that impact the design and delivery of their services.
This change means their voices will carry equal weight alongside NHS and local authority representatives when key decisions are made.
By 1 September 2026, IJBs must:
· Engage with their local legal teams to understand the implications of the Order
· Review how voting and meetings will work
Updated guidance, due to be published by 1 September 2026, on gov.scot will outline best practice on how to implement these changes while keeping clear accountability and effective decision-making.
