Co-production involves groups of people working together, with the people we support as an equal partner at the table. But we also acknowledge that getting here takes careful planning, resource, time and changes in approach.
We wanted to share how we are working towards co-production becoming more deeply woven into our work together, and take a look at the difference it makes to the people we support, Liz Salmon, Head of Quality and Co-Production defines what co-production means across the charity:
What is co-production in practice?
Co-production in practice is about working together with the people we support to find out about and improve areas important to them. This includes a wide range of activities that include: directing future events with change makers, involvement in the recruitment process and staff interviews.
Co-production recognises that everyone has a contribution to make so, alongside this and with wider benefits for both themselves and those outside of our services, some of the people we support have been working together to look at information around societal issues that impact people with disabilities. This includes how they receive and promote good health and also transport and cost of living issues – together they are jointly writing and deciding on content for resources about these areas.
Co-production in action: Changes for the Future Forum
Shaftesbury’s Changes for the Future Forum is an important channel for hearing the voices and views of people supported by Shaftesbury about the things which matter most to them. Twenty-three members, or ‘champions’, representing 20 Shaftesbury services, meet monthly to look at issues they have chosen, including safeguarding awareness, accessing employment, fundraising and staff recruitment. Participants work together as equals, drawing on everyone’s skills and strengths to improve quality and find ways of doing things that benefit everyone. Says Forum Champion Debbie:
My vision for change
Shaftesbury forum champions were invited to be part of The Archbishops’ Commission on Reimagining Care, set up by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York. The commission’s aim is to develop a radical and inspiring vision for care and support in England, drawing on Christian theology and ethics. The forum members were involved in sharing their reflections on what good care and support means to them and how it enables them to live the life they want to lead.
Forum champion Tom said he wanted to see ‘real change within Shaftesbury and the wider arena’ as a result of the commission. He added: ‘It’s legitimately all about being included, not just because you are there, included and listened to… Listening to what we have to say rather than finding out about it six months later. We’ve been included at the ground level, which is really important’.
We interviewed Tom, asking him to reflect on his role in the forum and his findings in the Reimaging Care report:
What’s your role in the Forum?
‘I am the Champion for my service also a part of the committee, communications lead.’
What skills do you bring to the Forum?
‘[ ] Communication is my main skill’
What issues are being discussed at the moment?
‘Recruitment, I’m in a focus group to discuss this.’
Is being part of the Forum a good thing for you personally? In what way?
‘It is for now, I’m helping people and trying to do good.’
What issues are important to you, that you would like to discuss in the future?
‘Anything that involves me directly or for those I live with, I want to see the changes we discuss come to fruition.’
What change would you like to see happen as a result of the Forum’s work?
‘Real change within Shaftesbury and the wider arena. What we have suggested and want to change working within Shaftesbury. Important to have the right people invited to our meetings, who can drive the changes too like the Director or board members.’
Did you take part in the plans for the Reimagining Care report?
‘Yes.’
What did you think it was important to say about Reimagining Care?
‘It’s being discussed now and people that may require care were asked their opinions. I was heard and able to be at the launch in London.’
What are you glad about that is in the Report?
‘It covers the wider scope of national care, enhances everyone’s care in society.’
Read more on the forum members discussing Reimagining Care >
My city
Catherine and Dan, both wheelchair users living in a Shaftesbury service, took part in the Disabled Citizens’ Enquiry, which aims to make places and streets more usable for disabled people. Through this work, Catherine appeared in a recent ITV news story, which highlighted just how difficult it can be using a wheelchair on pavements cluttered with café chairs, signage and other obstacles. Catherine and Dan have also worked with Norfolk County Council to develop a county-wide social care and health ethical framework, as well as taking part in training with sustainable transport group Sustrans.
How is co-production made possible at Shaftesbury?
Accessibility
Co-production takes careful planning and consideration to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate and feel included in a way of their choosing.
Ensuing that we do all we can to enable people to take part in the forum underpins all we do. It’s important to remember that enabling everyone to participate so often much broader than buildings – we need to make sure that everything in the process of co-production is accessible to everyone taking part and nobody is excluded.
To ensure the forum is a success we ensure the following is underway, we’d recommend these tips when planning something similar:
Consider how you can support people to feel comfortable with new spaces: talking about a recent in person meeting, some people we support told us that they felt anxious visiting somewhere new for the first time and that a booklet with information about access and pictures of the space would be help them prepare and feel less anxious. This is something we are currently putting together in readiness for our next meeting.
Make sure information is accessible: we produce minutes, agendas and other information in an ‘easy read’ format. We use short sentences illustrated by photo-symbols.
Prepare with enough time: so people have time to process and think about information we make sure send out minutes and agendas for the meetings in good time.
Planning accessible transport: we are currently planning a meeting where forum members will meet our patron HRH Princess Anne. A number of the forum members use wheelchairs so we are looking at accessible trains, parking, taxis and for people we support travelling longer distances, hotel rooms.
Quiet space: when we meet in person we also make sure we have a quiet room. Some people we support, for example, people with autism or fatigue related conditions may find some environments overwhelming or tiring and may benefit from having a place to relax, reduce any sensory overload or take any medication they may need.
Technology
The forum came together during COVID-19 so we’ve been reliant on services having the technology in place so we can meet remotely. During COVID-19 and with thanks to some generous donations, we were able to ensure that people living in our residential homes and supported living services had access to a tablet or computer so they could stay in touch with friends and family.
Ensure you have the equipment you need: the right devices and also the portable stands to enable them to be at an appropriate height for people who use wheelchairs or need to spend time in bed have been invaluable to the forum.
Guidance: Zoom was new to so many of us during lockdown so when we first started to meet we sent out written and easy to read information about Zoom and also went through how to use it when we met – although like most people we still have reminder of ‘you’re on mute’!
Dan, who lives at our Norwich service, comments on what co-productive care means to him:
