An introduction to Co-Production
The term co-production is becoming more commonly used and is often associated with efforts to engage members of the public in different aspects of decision making. As the challenges society faces become more complex, the expertise and perspectives needed to address them needs to become more diverse and as such a greater emphasis is being placed on the significant contribution lived experience can bring to co-producing services and systems changes.
Where is Co-Production happening?
Across the United Kingdom there are a number of institutions advocating for Co-Production to be embraced as an approach and the University of Central London is leading the way in creating a network of those working co-productively with their Co-production Collective – you can find more information about them Additionally, the Social Care Institute For Excellence (SCIE) are also championing co-production as an approach and have been holding national Co-Production weeks to generate discussion and encourage sharing experiences of trying to work co-productively.
Blackpool’s approach to Co-production
As a result of the National Lottery Community Funded Headstart programme, Blackpool has embarked on its own rollercoaster journey through the positives, challenges and vast amounts of learning that have come from adopting co-production as an approach to supporting Blackpool residents to bring about change to systems and services so that society is more equitable and socially just. We are clear that we are always refining and developing our approach, but we have found a model that has worked really well for us, with a focus on building relationships first and foremost to build trust with different stakeholders, then offer and support with shaping co-production opportunities for those who are concerned about an issue impacting them.
For many of those who have been involved in positive experiences of having their voices heard and seeing changes happen as a result of their contributions, many people involved in the Resilience Revolution are now paid members of the team working as sessional workers. We are proud of our model because at all times we are clear about co-production and its strength’s, some of the challenges, and crucially how it is different to other participative approaches to engaging with people.
