Imroc Journey from 2008-2024
Imroc was founded in 2008 by a group of individuals with lived, life, and learned experiences. The initiative aimed to address the challenges faced by mental health organisations in embedding recovery-focused practices, conversations, and values into their services.
In its first two years, Imroc co-produced a methodology for recovery-focused organisational change. This methodology was based on extensive observations, interviews, and focus groups within organisations demonstrating best practices in recovery. It identified ten key organisational challenges or benchmarks that organisations could use to assess themselves and prioritise changes.
Three-Year Project
This methodology was the foundation of a three-year project funded by the Department of Health, commissioned by the National Mental Health Development Unit (NMHDU), and delivered in partnership with the Centre for Mental Health and the NHS Confederation. Initially, the project aimed to recruit six NHS Trusts, but due to overwhelming interest, it expanded to work with 34 sites over three years. Six Trusts became demonstration sites, while others participated in regional action learning sets.
Achievements
The engagement and enthusiasm from participating organisations exceeded expectations.
Key achievements included:
Establishing Recovery Steering Groups with multi-sector participation.
Developing Recovery Strategies and implementation plans.
Creating 16 Recovery Colleges within two years.
Employing peer support workers in eight sites.
Rolling out staff training in recovery across all sites.
Developing Personal Recovery Plans to empower people using services.
Expansion and Evolution (2015-2024)
ImROC has continued to evolve, providing training and consultancy services globally. Significant achievements include:
Supporting 86% of mental health Trusts in England.
Implementing recovery-focused approaches across Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Working in 22 countries to support Recovery Colleges and peer support initiatives.
Publishing 27 briefing papers and co-authoring over 100 research papers.
Participating in numerous national and international research projects.
Training over 2000 peer support workers and 100 peer supervisors
10 Organisational Challenges to 5 Domains of Work
Originally developed as the ‘10 Key Challenges’, this framework has been widely adopted to benchmark and develop practice globally. Over time, Imroc has recognised that a number of key changes are required to shift systemic practice, which have now evolved. From 10 organisational challenges to five domains of work which interaction with one another and drive forward Recovery focused change at system, organisational, service and team levels.
Work in any single area leads to improvements in other areas. As the economic, political and service context have changed so has our offer. We continue to offer bespoke consultancy relating to all ten challenges but we organise ourselves in relation to the nature of the work we undertake rather than focusing on each individual challenge.
Current Focus and Future Directions
Imroc has shifted its focus from organisational to system-wide change, recognising the importance of integrating recovery practices across various sectors, including community services and specialist services for diverse populations. The organisation continues to expand its vision to encompass psychosocial wellbeing, addressing the interconnectedness of physical, neurological, and emotional health.
In 2024, Imroc transitioned to an independent charity, enhancing its ability to develop a critical voice and operate outside traditional NHS structures. This change enables Imroc to further its mission of fostering inclusive, safe, and healing communities that support individual recovery journeys.
Imroc remains committed to driving recovery-focused change at all levels, leveraging its extensive experience and partnerships to improve mental health services worldwide.