Consumers are the experts in their health and should be an integral part of the development of research, education and health policies. Yet most health education, research and health service delivery are designed without the consumer’s voice. Working with consumers can be challenging and time consuming. Having the consumer voice within your research, education and policy development builds trust and a meaningful relationship. The long-term benefit is an equal partnership to enable best consumer outcomes. This plenary will cover how to build and sustain a consumer partnership for the development of research and education.