Members can access a range of opportunities, including: 

• Work with Sands, e.g. sharing experiences to improve safety and save lives, feeding into policy and campaigns, designing training for healthcare staff, and improving resources for bereaved parents. 
• Work supported by Sands, e.g. shaping external research, commenting on clinical guidelines, sharing views on national policy and NHS initiatives. 

There are also focused project spaces in the network for members with shared backgrounds, experiences or interests. 

We hold regular lunchtime catch-ups on Microsoft Teams for any members who want to come along. 

Members can decide how much they get involved in these activities, and can leave at any time. 

The network is open to all bereaved parents, over 18 years old, who have experienced pregnancy or baby loss. 

Members do not need any particular skills or qualifications to join the network, just a passion for improving our work across research, education and policy and campaigns, and an interest in contributing to this work as part of a group. 

All members bring something different and valuable based on their own skills and experience. 

We expect all network members to support Sands’ core values and work together in a way that is compassionate, inclusive, collaborative and evidence based.

We ask everyone who joins the network to sign a Working Together Agreement and agree they will:

• Be respectful and value the different views, experiences, backgrounds and characteristics that each person brings.
• Be kind and supportive – work together to create a space that is welcoming and safe for all.
• Keep feedback and comments specific and constructive to support improvement and learning.
• Contribute and share experiences in a way that works for them - ask for support when it’s needed and say ‘no’ if an opportunity doesn’t feel right.
• Respect confidentiality – personal information shared within the network should not be discussed outside it.
• Let us know as soon as possible if there are any concerns or issues relating to anything in the network.

There is no payment for joining the network, but some opportunities come with offers of payment or vouchers. When this is the case, we make it clear when sharing the opportunity.

The network is a moderated, safe space for bereaved parents to contribute to work across research, education, campaigns and policy. All confidential information must be treated in strict confidence.

Examples of confidential information are: 

• Any personal experiences described by members of the network. 
• Any names and details that could be used to identify a network member, or the people and places involved in their experience. 

This information must not be used for any purpose other than taking part in network-related activities. 

In line with the Data Protection Act, members must not remove, share or discuss any confidential information outside network activities unless specifically requested to do so by Sands staff. 

We ask member to share any concerns around confidentiality or a potential data breach with our Data Protection Team, who will investigate quickly and take action to keep data safe. 

The Insights Network is not primarily a support or advocacy space. However, we are here to help members feel confident and comfortable getting involved. We are happy to talk through any support members need to take part.

We know that it can be hard for bereaved parents to talk about their experiences, hear about other peoples’ experiences, and take part in this kind of work. Our support channels are always there for members, for as long as needed.

Find out how Sands offers support or call our free helpline on 0808 164 3332.

The network is still in its early stages, and we are gradually signing up new members. Before we bring anyone new into the network, we meet with them individually - to make sure the good opportunity is a good fit for them, and to keep the network a safe and productive space.

If you are interested in joining or would like to find out more, please fill out this short form and we will be in touch.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please email Julia or Mehali at research@sands.org.uk.