Co-production Case Studies
We know from talking to our network and from our analytical website data that a lot of people are in search of case studies of co-production in action. We've been speaking to and collecting the details you need from people at all stages of their co-production journey - from the contemplative steps at the beginning of the process, to how you use the evidence based to train more people to do co-pro!
We're always looking for examples to add so please do get in touch if you're doing co-production and want to share you work and help others see how it works in practice.
Starting out
It can be daunting at the start of a co-production process because, while you understand the theory, it can all look a little intimidating to bring all the pieces together. In this case study, Paul Stevenson from Bethany Christian Trust reflects on his experiences at the start of a co-produced homelessness prevention project and how he was given suggestions and support at our ideas clinic.
Making it work in practice and keeping people engaged
Once you’re underway, how do you ensure that the co-production process is working well for everyone involved? In the experience of VOX Scotland, you should simply ask the people involved, and reap the knowledge of their lived experience. In this case study, Michelle McBride describes several practical ways to make it work, signposts to useful further resources and explains how VOX have embedded co-production principles in their mental health advocacy work.
Recognising and rewarding co-design
The topic of how, why and when to reward participation in co-production is a hot one and there are many things to consider. These can include removing barriers to participation, addressing power imbalances and valuing a diversity of knowledge and experience while providing compensation and appreciation. In this case study, Zsara McEwan details the creation of a co-design remuneration and rewards policy which was part of a wider Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector project aimed at changing the way family support services are procured and designed.
Training people to do good, evidence-based co-creation
As co-production, co-creation and co-design gain popularity as methods in practice, the risks associated with not doing them well loom large and it is important that people planning to use these methods have up-to-date skills and knowledge. The team at Health CASCADE is using their evidence base to develop a training package that guides individuals and organisations on how to plan, govern, and conduct such projects. In this case study Niamh Smith reflects on some of the challenges involved in creating an evidence-based training package and the useful insights she gleaned from our ideas clinic.
You can always be better - learning through the process
A co-production process is a constantly changing and evolving way to work - but how do you make sure you're not only learning but applying your new knowledge? Yesmin Begum shares her insights on how do this, exploring her work with Katie's Team, a women’s health advocacy group in London, and their co-produced Health Literacy Project in Tower Hamlets. In her words: 'Co-production is not just a concept; it's a philosophy'.
Not just another method - co-production as an ethical approach
Co-production can sound like just another method for project management or user engagement. Thom Stewart from An Áit Eile Cooperative shares his experience in the co-production of the Galway Community Cafe and highlights a number of principles which are helpful in understanding co-production as an ethical approach to working with other people.
Building trust through relationship-based practice
The most important element of co-production are the people involved. Stevan Sutherland describes how trust is essential in the co-productive process, reflecting on the co-production of a stigma toolkit which supports practitioners and families to take a more stigma-free and inclusive approach to delivering services in Scotland.