Ffion Poole recently attended the online All Wales People First National Council meeting. The meeting began with a welcome, and everyone introduced themselves. The group talked about the ground rules for the meeting. These rules help everyone feel safe, respected, and able to speak and be listened to. The group then looked at the minutes from the last meeting. People were able to check for mistakes, ask questions, and hear updates on actions agreed at the last meeting.

Joe Powell, the Chief Executive, gave an update to the group. He talked about the work of All Wales People First and shared information about the workplan for 2026. Representatives then shared issues from their local groups. These were issues that may need action across Wales.

Chloe Cannon spoke to the group next. She is an All Wales People First Representative on the Lived Experience Collective Board. Chloe explained the work of the CARE Research Centre for Adult Social Care and the work they do at Cardiff University. She also asked people to share their experiences of older people with learning disabilities.

All Wales People First has decided that a Member Code of Conduct may be needed. A Code of Conduct is a set of rules about how people should behave at events. The group talked about whether a Code of Conduct is needed and what rules should be included.

The group also talked about future National Council meetings. This included where meetings should be held, how people get information, and future meeting dates. Other updates were shared, including progress with Adfest planning, feedback from the Disabled People’s Rights Plan consultation, and feedback from the Direct Payments consultation.