Co-Production Toolkits

People experiencing multiple issues and disadvantage are often excluded from accessing mainstream services. We believe that by listening to, learning from, and working alongside people with lived experience of multiple disadvantage, we can create a system where people can access the support they need and want.

Co-production is a values-led way of working that involves creating opportunities for people to have more choice, control, and agency in how they are supported. It can also include designing and delivering services and influencing broader systemic change.

Our toolkits below were produced alongside people with lived experience to help other services, commissioners, and sector staff to design, develop and lead co-production within their organisation.

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Co-Production Toolkit

Our Co-Production Toolkit is a practical guide for commissioners and services to develop and plan approaches to Co-Production.

Created with co-producers, partners, and commissioners as part of our Fulfilling Lives Programme, the toolkit supports participants in setting co-production goals, developing strategies, and exploring different approaches.

The toolkit will also help you understand co-production, identify priority areas for co-production, establish values, use facilitation tools and techniques, and plan a co-production project.

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Trauma-Informed Co-Production Guidance

Co-production involves working alongside people who have experienced relational and system-induced trauma.

However, Co-production can require people to:

• reflect on experiences of the system that have been harmful and negatively impacted their lives
• build relationships with new people and in group settings. This includes people who might represent organisations and institutions that have caused harm, as well as others in group settings who are also in recovery and who are bringing their own histories and lasting effects of trauma to the work

This means co-production with people who have experienced trauma requires an understanding of these power dynamics, of the need to approach discussions with care, to prioritise the safety of people who could be retriggered by the work, and how trauma may impact a person’s ability to stay involved and build relationships with other participants and members.

A trauma-informed approach to co-production can help to navigate these challenges and realities of the work.

Our Trauma-Informed Co-Production Guidance is designed for anyone involved in commissioning, endorsing, leading, planning, facilitating, or participating in any kind of co-production work. It helps to navigate the challenges and realities of the work.

It is for those who want to understand how to enable meaningful and safe collaboration between people with different types of experience and expertise. It is not just for those leading or participating in co-production.