‘Co-production’ is a term we often use, but it’s not always widely understood. It is not engagement, participation, or consultation, although those are all important. So what is it?
Co-production is about equal relationships. It is about sharing the power between those who plan, run, and use services.
Working with staff and practitioners in the local authority and health services, we have created resources that are intended for anyone who is interested in finding out more about co-production. There is a 5-minute video featuring parent carers and staff in SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) services, a handbook which is a practical guide to working in co-production, and a charter which sets out the principles we all aspire to when working together. There is also a one-page quick guide for SEND services about working with the parent carer forum, which we (ESPCF) recently produced.
Curious about co-production video
A whistle-stop introduction to co-production in East Sussex
This short video features parent carers and staff in SEND services talking about the key elements of working together in co-production: what it is, how to do it, and why it’s important. Intended as a gateway to getting started, it’s a good way to spend five minutes if you’re curious about co-production. While the target audience is those working in SEND services, we hope it is useful for anyone who wants to learn about how we try to work.
East Sussex co-production handbook
The handbook is intended as a ‘how to’ guide to co-production. It expands on the collective expectations and commitment of East Sussex County Council, NHS Sussex and ESPCF to work together with families to review, design, and develop SEND services in East Sussex. It aims to:
- Raise awareness and understanding of what co-production is and how to go about it in East
Sussex. - Provide tools and resources for those working in co-production to use.
- Help ensure co-production is woven into the fabric of SEND services.
East Sussex SEND Co-production handbook (PDF)
East Sussex SEND co-production charter
While the handbook is a more practical guide to co-production, the charter sets out the principles of how we want to work together with those in SEND services. It is signed by East Sussex County Council, NHS Sussex, and ESPCF.
East Sussex SEND co-production charter (PDF)
One-page guide to working with your PCF
We have produced a quick guide intended for those working in SEND services. It’s an at-a-glance introduction to parent carer forums with key links and facts , info about how we work, and the benefits of including the voice of SEND families in developing and running SEND services.
One-pager – working with your parent carer forum (PDF)
Other documents
There are two further resources about co-production that you may wish to read: one that was produced by the SEND participation team at East Sussex County Council with children and young people with SEND, and one that sets out the four cornerstones that can help families and schools to collaborate as equal partners, produced by a working group which included parent carer representation.