This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows:

We aim to find existing evidence regarding any positive or negative effects of user employment as providers of mental health services. Evidence is sought on the outcomes of involvement for clients (those receiving services). These effects comprise health effects and psychosocial outcomes. Service provision outcomes, such as time spent by employees on various tasks, or times and locations of meetings with clients will be sought, as will data regarding service use such as drop‐out rates. Data regarding professional attitudes, when those working with user‐employees are compared with those not, will be sought. This is a secondary outcome, as the objective of employing users is not to change professional attitudes, but it is a potential effect and there is scope for a valid comparison in studies included in the review.