Facing the challenges of co-production in difficult times
In this blog, Sam Jordan from Scottish Co-production Network explores some of the challenges we're facing around co-production - and the key questions to consider.
Co-production Week Scotland this year is all about how we embed co-production as the way we work.
Throughout the week we'll be examining the structures, systems and, crucially, resources needed to cement co-production as a way to advocate for the value of lived experience, and shift the balance of power in decision-making.
Keeping the doors open
But, as many of us will know working across the public and third sectors, times are increasingly difficult. Resources are scarce and difficult decisions are having to be made - decisions that may not always align with the principles of shared and equal power in decision-making which are central to co-production.
For many organisations, there will rightly be a focus on keeping the doors open and the lights on so they can deliver the best support possible to the people who need it. With rising inequalities and stubborn levels of poverty, many organisations and public services are offering support that is life-saving, as well as life-changing.
With these challenges, we think it’s really important to be open about the difficult situations we’re facing - and to recognise and talk to the impact they're having on co-productive practice. We certainly don’t have all the answers, but we’ve offered some key questions and further reading to help generate new ideas.
Challenge: Co-production can take a lot of time
We know co-production can be an intensive and time-consuming way of working, and that, right now, time is scarce and that might mean it's an approach that isn't prioritised. When faced with significant cuts to services, or changes in the way we work, it might be harder to develop approaches that are open-ended by design, and where power and decisions should be shared.
Key questions: Are there changes we can make that hold on to the core principles of equal power and shared decision-making that can be time intensive? Difficult decisions might have to do be made about resources, but how can we develop this process to ensure it’s built on fairness and mutuality?
More reading: Case study - Not just another method, co-production as an ethical approach
Challenge: Co-production requires trust
Trust is a commodity that we think about lots when talking about co-production. It takes time to build and can be easily lost. When decisions are made that lose people's trust, it makes working in a co-productive way much more difficult. Right now, when we're seeing some very difficult decisions being made across the sector, it's easy to see how these could result in a breakdown of trust that might take many years to build back up.
Key questions: What actions can we take to ensure trust is maintained? How can we communicate the challenges effectively? How do we make sure the process values people’s time, effort and contributions? How do we make it clear what is expected to maintain trust? How can we communicate when we feel trust is being broken?
More reading: Co-pro example - Building trust through relationship-based practice
Challenge: Co-production is built on people's passion
Some of the best examples of co-production start with a group of people bringing passion, enthusiasm and a desire to do things differently. That passion is central to driving a project forward, and so whether because of limited resources, or a lack of energy, it can sometimes just take one or two people to step back for co-production to stutter. Whether through job losses, or people facing pressures in their own lives, co-production requires everyone to have the time, and headspace, to be involved.
Key questions: How do we ensure we embed co-productive processes in how we work? How do we show people they are valued, and that their time is respected? How do we share responsibility with colleagues? What can we do to check-in with people to make sure they have the capacity to be involved?
More reading: Case study - Making co-pro work in practice and keeping people engaged
