Co-production definitions and values

The guide is designed to move through four main areas of a co-production process. The first section looks at definitions, the key elements of co-production and its benefits, and how public participation and co-production function together. Up next is a wealth of detailed, practical advice on how to start and progress a co-productive process, with information on different methods and techniques, as well as advice on how to support people in co-production. There are also special spotlights on lived experience panels and facilitation techniques, collated by our very experienced staff, whom most of you will know from their work facilitating our network events! Part three of the guide looks at advocating for co-production and developing a strategic approach to using co-production across your organisation. It also features helpful background about co-production in a policy context and some of the useful frameworks and tools you can use. The guide finishes off with advice on how you can reflect, evaluate and learn from your co-production work, with tips on conducting a good evaluation and recommends some helpful resources and tools.

"Co-production is a bold, pragmatic strategy that shatters limits on social change. This book exposes the Dark Side of money and market. It redefines economics by treating households and community as a separate economy. Placing that economy on a par with market generates a new exchange dynamic the empowers us all to become change agents who can shape the future; convert failing social programs into catalysts for social justice; enlist Throw-Away People as partners in a shared mission; and create the world we want for our children'

There can be a lack of confidence among researchers about the ethical and safeguarding dimensions of this work – as well as a perceived tension between protecting people from harm and their rights to open participation. We wanted to create some guidance to improve knowledge and confidence about the ethical and safeguarding dimensions of collaborating with those “outside” the formal research system.

An animation, narrated by Brian Blessed which combines humour with honesty without the blame culture. Edgar Cahn’s book No More Throw-Away People relates the parable of the Blobs and Squares to explain the co-production imperative. This video co-produced by Time Banking UK retells the story.

This paper is the story of how Dr Andrew Perry came to develop co-productive relationships in forensic environments over ten years. This time with a better psychological map, the benefit of hindsight and the illustrations of Jorge and Yousef.

Involve is the UK’s leading public participation charity. On this webpage they provide an overview of co-production values and its definitions.

A list of book recommendation exploring co-production.

Article for those committed to promoting “people powered health” in our NHS and wider public services, about how might we think about power. Where previously old power models prevailed, in an age of radical connectivity the potential to utilise new power approaches in health and care is exploding.

The evaluation was co-produced by University of Sheffield evaluators and Co:Create staff, using a range of methods to incorporate the views of stakeholders on the process of co-production.

Report on powerful and sometime surprising examples of where kindness and everyday relationships can effect change and support the wellbeing of individuals and communities. The report is not “stuffed full with policy recommendations, tool kits or calls for ‘compassionate impact assessments’.” But it does contain some powerful and challenging messages for policymakers.

Documents explaining asset-based places, looking and peoples' and communities' needs and assets.

The ladder describes a series of steps towards co-production in health and social care. It supports greater understanding of the various stages of access and inclusion before full co-production is achieved.

Videos introducing different aspects of co-production, benefits, barriers etc.