• Introduce yourself as an ECEN representative, not the organisation you originate from
• Try to ensure that any actions from previous meetings have been actioned and any matters arising.
• It is helpful to sit with the other ECEN representatives at the meeting both in terms of cohesiveness and also so you can have a mini-discussion with the other reps if you need to or get support.
• If you don’t understand, do ask. Often jargon can be used which is not explained. If you ask you usually find someone else did not know either!
• If you are asked in a meeting for the views of the voluntary sector on a subject you have not been given opportunity to consult about, you need to explain you need time to consult. (The voluntary sector groups may have a range of views). ECEN is currently doing some work on how best to consult. If there is no opportunity to consult via an ECEN meeting, the other options are via the ECEN website www.ecen.org.uk (best option) or contact Maureen so that an email can be sent out from ECEN. It may be possible to consult via the ECEN newsletter if the newsletter dates fit in with the next Partnership meeting. Also you can consult via the Voluntary Sector Health and Social Care group via Sue Wilkinson
• You are obviously free to give the perspective of your own organisation but it is helpful and necessary for the benefit of other people at the meeting for you to distinguish between when you are speaking on behalf of your own organisation and when you are speaking on behalf of ECEN. 
• If you are mpt able to attend please give yoru apologies - it would be helpful to let the other ECEN reps know you cannot attend. 
• Attending a pre-meeting is always useful in terms of the paperwork and working together as a team; if you cannot meet up it is really helpful to have an email exchange.  Currently Sue Wilkinson is organising pre-meetings before the Health and Social Care Partnership Board Meetings.  Alternate pre-meetings will be led by one of the reps.
• Alternatively, if you find it difficult to spare any more time, then it is important to meet up with your ECEN colleagues 20 minutes before a meeting takes place.  This should, of course, take place at the meeting venue

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