Raf’s role as an Expert by Experience sees him using his perspective as a former service user in a variety of organisations within the public and Independent sector. This has included the development of policy and guidance with NICE (National Institute of Health and Care Excellence), Royal College of Psychiatrists and the NHS.

He is currently the Expert by Experience Lead with Cygnet Healthcare leading on the organisations engagement and involvement initiatives. Prior to this Raf was an Expert by Experience with the Care Quality Commission where he took part in over 150 CQC inspections. His experience of working on both a strategic and local level within Cygnet Healthcare has been recognised as ‘an area of outstanding practice’ by the Care Quality Commission and a number of other organisations.

Raf was one of 12 chairs on the Independent Review of the Mental Health Act commissioned by the Department of Health and Social Care.

He has completed an MSc in Mental Health Recovery and Social Inclusion at the University of Hertfordshire.