Chapter Six: Evaluating and Monitoring Co-Production

Evaluating how well co-production is going is crucial for any organisation because it helps ensure that the collaborative efforts are truly making a difference.

Many funders who fund work with lived experience and co-production will understand that normal metrics aren’t always realistic in this sector – however there are still ways you can monitor the effectiveness of your co-production and funders will often still ask for project goals and achievements.

Reflective practice is essential when carrying out co-production because it helps professionals and clients understand and learn from their experiences. By regularly taking a step back to evaluate what’s working and what’s not, everyone involved can identify strengths, address challenges, and adjust strategies for better outcomes.

This ongoing reflection fosters a deeper connection and mutual respect among participants, allowing for more effective communication and problem-solving. It’s not just about evaluating successes and setbacks but also about continuously growing and improving the relationships, making the process more inclusive and responsive to everyone’s needs. Reflective practice ensures that co-production efforts remain engaged and impactful, which in turn leads to more meaningful and successful outcomes for all involved.

“So we were celebrating success, strategically planning for the future and also exploring what was difficult and what did we learn from it. And that was quite raw actually, because it's hard, isn't it, going over things when they've gone wrong. But it was important to do.”

1. Gathering Feedback: Ask people with lived experience to share their thoughts on how co-production is working. This can be done through surveys, interviews, or informal conversations.
2. Monitor Participation: Track how often and in what ways individuals with lived experience are involved in decision-making and activities at the centre.
3. Assess Impact: Look at the outcomes of projects or changes made with their input. Check if these changes are improving services or meeting the needs of the people they serve.
4. Review Meetings: Evaluate how well meetings and planning sessions include and address the input from people with lived experience. Ensure their voices are heard and valued.
5. Regular Check-ins/Check-Outs: Have regular reviews or check-ins with participants to discuss what’s working and what can be improved in the co-production process. Checking in with clients at the start and the end of the meeting has been something that has been particularly meaningful for clients.

Using these methods helps ensure that day centres are effectively involving people with lived experience and making meaningful improvements based on their insights.

“When we evaluate ourselves, you need to get outside perspective to do it as a whole evaluation right?”