What Is Lived Experience Consulting?
Lived experience consulting is the structured use of firsthand knowledge to improve decisions about policy, services, research and systems.
Read the guide →Lived expertise for better systems.
Clear, practical writing about lived experience consulting, co-design, policy, disability, mental health, justice, research and ethical engagement.
Cornerstone knowledge
Useful starting points for decision-makers.
These guides explain the concepts, choices and practical questions organisations should consider before engaging lived expertise.
Co-Design vs Consultation: What Is the Difference?
Consultation asks for views on a defined proposal; co-design gives lived-experience contributors meaningful influence over the development of options or decisions.
Read the guide →How Government Agencies Can Use Lived Expertise
Government teams can use lived expertise across policy development, service design, implementation, evaluation and reform when the role is meaningful and clearly bounded.
Read the guide →Ethical Lived Experience Engagement: Beyond Tokenism
Ethical engagement depends on power, purpose, payment, accessibility, safety, role clarity and accountability—not simply on inviting a lived-experience voice.
Read the guide →Lived Experience in NDIS and Disability Reform
NDIS and disability reform is experienced through access, planning, supports, relationships and transitions across systems.
Read the guide →How Lived Experience Strengthens Research
Lived expertise can improve research when it contributes to the question, method, interpretation and use of findings—not only recruitment.
Read the guide →Apply the ideas
Move from general interest to a defined organisational question.
LEX Consulting can help with a policy review, co-design process, research input, workshop, advisory engagement or focused consultation.
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