Paul Scarrott

I have a learning disability. I live a fairly independent life and care for my wife who also has a learning disability. I went to special schools when I was growing up and have been on disability related benefits for most of my adult life. I have been a trustee of My Life My Choice since 2009. I led the My Life My Choice campaigns that challenged the treatment of people with learning disabilities in Winterbourne view, and the Justice for LB campaign about a young Oxford man with learning disabilities, Connor Sparrowhawk, who died a preventable death whilst being “cared” for by Southern Health at Slade House, Oxford. I have a good knowledge of best practice in health and social care settings. I am an expert by experience for the NHS care and treatment reviews, and have carried out a number of inspections since 2014. I was an expert by experience for CQC between 2008 and 2012. I have also trained Health and Social Care students at Oxford Brookes University. I am very involved in my local community. I have served on the Thames Valley Police Independent Advisory Group since 2011. I serve on focus groups for Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust to help improve services for people with learning disabilities. I won the Oxfordshire Volunteer of the Year Award 2011 for my work with Oxfordshire County Council in helping them to improve services through many consultations and focus groups.