Co-production is a word that is being used a lot within health, social care and community spaces at the moment. It is finding its way into government policy and best practice guidance. For Integrated Care Boards, Local Authorities and care provider organisations regulated by the Care Quality Commission, there is a requirement to demonstrate co-production alongside the people they support. But what does it mean?

Simply put, co-production means ‘together, making something’.

If we expand that to reflect the development of health, social care and community services, it means that:

• All stakeholders are working together as equals
• Sharing power together
• Listening to understand
• People who use or draw upon services are leading on change and development

Authentic co-production is done in a way which enables everyone to contribute and participate. It requires accessible methods and approaches to bringing people together, sharing ideas and experiences, listening and capturing plans for moving things forward.

Good co-production should engage everyone in the room or the process, and should be adaptable to ensure that nobody is excluded.

At Imagineer we have over 12 years of experience in facilitating Co-Production with different groups and organisations including:

• Health and Social Care provider organisations and forums
• Local Authorities
• Health focus groups
• Patient experience groups
• Disabled Peoples Organisations and forums
• Community groups
• Housing Associations
• Charities

For examples of our Co Production work in partnership with The Big Picture Graphic Facilitation, visit the Big Picture Graphic Facilitation website.