Chapter Two: Why do Co-Production?

“Why do co-production? I think it's something that you need to do. It sounds like it's an outcome... It's not an outcome. It's something to be intentional about.”

Co-production offers significant personal benefits to individuals as it fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment in personal and organisational journeys. By involving clients in the decision-making process, day centres create an environment where individuals are valued and heard. This engagement not only enhances their self-esteem and confidence but also allows them to share their unique perspectives and experiences, shaping services that are more relevant to their needs and aspirations.

As a result, individuals are more likely to feel connected to their community, leading to increased satisfaction and well-being. Ultimately, co-production transforms day centres into spaces where people can thrive, actively contributing to their own development and the collective experience of the group.

1. Empowered Clients

Co-production significantly boosts confidence and self-esteem in clients. This empowerment leads to:

• More active participation in service delivery
• Improved outcomes as clients take ownership of their progress
• Positive word-of-mouth, enhancing your organisation's reputation
• Empowered clients become your organisation's strongest advocates, driving growth and impact.

“I'm trying to use language which is as positive and supportive as I can, but people who are going to have good days and bad days and people who are going to have triggers and it's about understanding that and trying to put things in place to be able to support them and lift them up. That's one lesson, really important lesson.”

2. Improved Service Quality

Co-production leads to services that are more aligned with clients’ needs and expectations. By involving service users in all aspects, including the design and delivery process, you ensure:

• Greater relevance and effectiveness of services
• Increased user satisfaction and loyalty
• Continuous improvement driven by real-time feedback
• Services that clients genuinely care about, enhancing organisation's reputation and impact.

“I feel valued and heard.”
“It makes me feel mentally, emotionally and physically better.”

3. Staff Retention and Employment benefits
Co-production creates a wider pool of employees and fosters improved staff retention. Benefits include:

• Access to diverse skill sets and perspectives
• Increased employee engagement and job satisfaction
• Reduced turnover and associated costs
• By broadening the involvement, you create a more responsive and adaptable team that can change as the organisation changes and develops

“it’s the big cultural shift that's … [about] seeing the value in everyone”

4. Investment into your Organisation

When everyone is involved in co-production, everyone becomes more invested in the organisation's success. This increased buy-in results in:

• Greater commitment to organisational goals
• Enhanced collaboration across departments (e.g. outreach and policy or inreach and volunteers)
• Staff retention

“I felt so rooted having really active, lived experience voice in the room and it just feels so much more rounded as an organisation”

5. Measurably Improved Outcomes

• Higher success rates in achieving organisational objectives
• Increased efficiency and cost-effectiveness
• Greater social impact and community benefit

These improved outcomes not only justify the investment in co-production but also strengthen your organisation's position in the sector.

“Contributing allows me to feel much more part of the organisation.”

“It's easier to design our service around a trauma informed way of working. It gives our whole team a better understanding of the issues faced by individuals that make us more compassionate.”

6. Enhanced Funding Opportunities

Co-production opens doors to diverse funding streams. By demonstrating collaborative approaches and community engagement, organisations become more attractive to:

• Government grants focusing on community-driven initiatives
• Corporate sponsors seeking socially responsible partnerships
• National charities looking for people centred approaches

This expanded funding base can significantly improve your organisation's financial stability and growth potential, as well as increase opportunities for staff development and client wellbeing.

“Having people with lived experience inform our work is vital to ensure that our services and staff support as many people as they can in as well a way as possible. People with lived experience have a level of expertise and insight that others don't and this allows them to contribute important ideas and make all our work better.”

As senior leaders, embracing co-production is not just about improving services - it's about setting your organisation up for long-term success and sustainability. By utilising the wisdom of lived experience and resources of clients you create a more reactive and impactful organisation.