Act 4 Inclusion
A Co-production Model
Five values and six steps to make this happen in reality*
What is co-production?
Co-production is a way of working that empowers people to participate in the differing stages of design, development, implementation and evaluation of a project or service. Traditionally, decisions have been made by people deemed to have professional expertise and power, rather than those who need a service or should be involved in things that impact upon them.
Act 4 Inclusion believes community-based services ought to be developed through co-production whereby people who use services, carers, and communities in equal partnership. Co-production acknowledges there are people with differing types of ‘knowledge’ and ‘lived experience’ and therefore are often best placed to advise on what will make a positive difference to their lives.
Co-production is part of a range of approaches that includes citizen involvement, participation, engagement and consultation.
Values and conduct
For co-production to become part of the way A41 works, we wish to create a culture where the following values and conduct the norm:
1. Ownership, understanding, and support of co-production by all.
2. Development of a culture of openness and honesty.
3. A commitment to sharing power and decisions with others.
4. Clear and accessible communication.
5. Working within a culture where people are valued, listened to, and respected.
How to do it?
Six practical steps to make co-production happen in reality:
1. Get agreement from members, allies, and partners to champion co-production.
2. Ensure a range of people are encouraged, supported, and are actively involved in all aspects of co-production. Take positive steps to include underrepresented groups.
3. Always acknowledge the contributions people make.
4. Identify where co-production can be most effective in taking A4I forward and involve people at the very earliest stages of project design.
5. Train and develop members, allies, and partners so that everyone understands what co-production is and how to make it happen.
6. Regularly review and report back on progress.
*This model is an adaptation of various models and approaches alongside internal discussion within A4I.
July 2023