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This book has been produced by a research team from NACRO (National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders). Readers familiar with NACRO publications will feel a bit cheated because a large part of its solid empirical centre has been published elsewhere (Unemployment and Magistrates' Courts, NACRO, 1987) — in a more user‐friendly, and much less‐expensive, form.

Learning Disability Partnership Boards (LDPBs) were established throughout England in 2001. This study aims to explore how people with learning disabilities have been involved on LDPBs and the opportunities given for them to take part in civic activities.

The author conducted systematic observations in five different LDPBs operating in South East England and, using purposive sampling, interviewed 55 members of these boards.

Representatives who had learning disabilities were able to contribute in four different ways. These were as a co‐chair of the main meetings; member responsible for a specific activity or role; contributor to meetings and discussions; and as a presenter.

The study illustrates that, although people with learning disabilities are involved in the work of LDPBs, their opportunities to influence outcomes are not fully recognised by others. Normal meeting conventions can prove difficult. Alternative arrangements can enable people with learning disabilities to contribute more to meetings and have more influence on outcomes.

This paper seeks to provide a commentary on the previous paper in this issue, “Ten years of partnership”.

The commentary reviews practical experience of supporting the participation of people with learning disabilities as active citizens, especially in the context of Learning Disability Partnership Boards.

While there is no cause for complacency, there are many examples of good practice. Most Boards now successfully include people with learning disabilities in the delivery of Valuing People at a local level.

The commentary argues for purposeful, continuous improvement and suggests that this requires local leadership, investment of time, energy and effort and building systematically on success.