Title image: Co-production in practice

Supporting people in co-production

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Introduction to Section 1 What is co-production? Why co-production? Participation and co-production What does co-production look like?
Introduction to Section 2 How to start co-production Methods and techniques Spotlight on lived experience panels Spotlight on facilitation techniques Supporting people in co-production
Introduction to section 3 Advocating for co-production The policy context Frameworks and tools
Introduction to Section 4 Reflecting, evaluating and learning Tips and helpful resources for evaluation

Supporting co-production well allows everyone involved, both users and practitioners, to be empowered, valued and capable of contributing meaningfully.

We have already, in this part of the guide, highlighted many areas for consideration that relate to supporting people in co-production.  The threads of support should be starting to show and what follows are some specific areas that should be considered when involving both users and practitioners in co-productive processes that will help them feel empowered, valued and capable of contributing meaningfully. 

Identify and remove barriers to participation

When we want to involve diverse audiences in any process it is important to identify and take actions to remove any barriers that people might have in participating effectively.  

In a co-production setting this is even more important as considering and mitigating such barriers to participation can demonstrate that everyone is valued equally, power is being shared and inclusive environments are being developed. In particular, consider common barriers that may exist: 

Accessibility – both physical and virtual spaces are suitable and accessible for all participants. 

Financial – financial barriers to participation are removed by compensating peoples time and covering costs such as travel, childcare and meals etc. 

Availability – meetings and activities are scheduled to accommodate participants’ needs including those with caregiving responsibilities, childcare needs or full-time jobs. 

Language - using simple, jargon-free language and offering translation or interpretation services as needed.

Use frameworks and guides

There are many frameworks that are linked to involvement and engagement that can be used as part of the co-production process to ensure the reduction of barriers to participation.   

Co-production after all is all about engaging people in an equal way by reducing barriers to participation and encouraging more shared power in decision making.    

Many tools exist that will ensure that engagement is maximised, including the National Standards of Community Engagement.  Many such tools and frameworks these are discussed and referenced in Section 3 of this guide. 

Develop and maintain good relationships 

Co-production cannot be achieved without developing good relationships, ones that are built on trust and mutual respect.  We know that building relationships can be difficult, however if the following values are followed by all those involved this will help to develop successful, collaborative relationships.

Value lived experience – treat the input form people with lived experience equally important as that from professionals 

Respect diversity – encourage participation from a range of different social, economic and cultural backgrounds and be flexible and adaptable to circumstances that may change as a result of such backgrounds.   

Commit to sharing power and responsibilities – create structures where everyone shares tasks & responsibilities, has an equal voice, and decisions are made and agreed collaboratively. 

Be transparent – ensure truthful, open communication about goals, roles and any decision-making processes.  Encourage the sharing of honest opinions even where this may cause some tension. 

Acknowledge contributions – recognise regularly the value of everyone’s contribution to maintain motivation and respect 

Believe in co-production – be positive about what can be achieved using this type of approach, invested in the activities and enjoy the process.  Its not always easy but everyone working towards a collective goal can motivate and energise positive relationships.  It also helps when things go wrong, when you can collectively work on challenges or alternative solutions.  

Provide relevant training and support learning

It is important to ensure that everyone in the co-production process or activity has the skills to actively and confidently participate.  This can be achieved by ensuring that relevant support and training opportunities are available if and when necessary.   

Thought should be given on an ongoing basis throughout the process to providing training in relevant skills, including general co-production, facilitation, negotiation and relevant expert advice on any technical information or topics necessary. 

Mentoring or buddying on a one-to-one basis could also be made available where possible and beneficial.  This will be especially important where co-production activities involve people sharing sensitive or personal experiences that could trigger any previous trauma. 

Training and support opportunities should be offered on either a group or a one-to one basis, depending on participant preferences.  Providing such support will help people feel more equipped to contribute and less anxious about participating. 

It should be noted that often practitioners feel uncertain about the co-production process, and it is equally important to make sure that such practitioners (and facilitators) receive the appropriate training and support to allow them to drive the co-pro process confidently.  A confident facilitator or lead will encourage more enthusiasm, trust and involvement from other participants. 

Communicate clearly and regularly 

Good relationships are built on good communication.  Although communication styles may differ amongst those in the co-production process it is imperative that ongoing communication is maintained in a way that is preferred and comfortable for all those involved.  

As well as being clear from the onset about the purpose of the process, the way in which communication will be maintained should also be agreed and identified.  Participants should be kept informed between meetings and/or activities with updates, summaries and next steps.  This allows people to continue to feel that they are part of the ongoing process and encourages them to continue to be connected.    

When there is a lack of communication, especially with lived experience panels, it is easy for people to feel like they are not valued.  Whilst there may be a lot of work going on in the background, if this is not highlighted to individuals, then they start to disengage and feel that their involvement is not important.  This can lead to them stepping away from the process. 

With Us, For Us is a great example of the integration of lived experience as a key driver in this co-productive process, led by Scottish Recovery Network and VOX Scotland.