At the beginning of the pandemic, many services and organisations moved to remote or virtual meetings as co-production went ‘online’. As we have learned and adapted to the ever changing times, it has become clear that although there are many downfalls to remote co-production, there have also been great benefits.
At our most recent Conversation on Co-production, the group (including professionals from the homeless sector, health sector, various charities, and those with lived experience of multiple disadvantage) discussed the changes and challenges to co-production we have faced and overcome throughout the pandemic, and share some of our learnings and best practice.
We would like to say a big thank you to Kevin and Izzy for facilitating this month's conversation!
Seven changes and challenges we encountered within co-production due to the pandemic
Here are seven challenges to co-production that we have experienced:
- There were initial delays in some services moving to online meetings
- Accessibility to technology and data is a huge barrier, both for financial and technical reasons
- Being forced to interact through phone or email can be detrimental to relationship building
- Hard to engage when others have their camera switched off
- Everything has an agenda, there is a lack of organic connections and environments online
- Co-production from scratch is difficult online, relationships and connections take longer to build
- Training is very different remotely, building connections and allowing for vulnerability and authenticity is very different
Top tips on overcoming these changes and challenges
Having discussed the effects Covid-19 has had on co-production, and the challenges we have faced, we explored some of the ways we have overcome them. Here are some of our 'top tips':
1. Discuss peoples preferences for how they want to be involved – some people need that human contact, whereas others prefer virtual meetings
“ A lot of people with disabilities were saying that from the start of the pandemic their world really opened up whereas for everyone else it was a restriction, there were a lot more things that people with disabilities could get involved in, more online things rather than everything expected to be in person”
“I was doing a lot of my co-production work through the main part of the pandemic, and I know that I was involved in a lot more than I would have been if I had to have face to face because my anxiety would have stopped me from attending and I would have felt too overwhelmed by a whole day at a meeting…”
“Being at home allows you to feel safe”
“You have got the two extremes of both, some find it really supportive and beneficial whereas others would find it a straight up barrier and they can’t engage with it at all”
2. Offer a personal touch when engaging in co-production online
“Even over a screen, you give something of yourself, you offer some personal information…just that chit chat is so important”
3. After care is needed for people with lived experience involved in virtual co-production, making sure people don’t leave zoom meetings distressed by sharing stories
"We can’t just parachute people in and then kick them out on the street again when we are finished. There is a real need for the development of what we call ‘safe spaces’ or ‘safe containers’…the co-producton areas need to be a safe space”
“Managing that people don’t leave with an anti-climax or worse where they are truly emotionally upset by sharing their stories…having protocols and extra staff, not having one person running sessions…you have to double up and have access to contact details to follow up with people in case you are concerned there is a negative outcome”
4. Set aside time for creative thinking and organic networking for employees. Although geographical barriers have been reduced and people are able to schedule more meetings, it is important that we remember the benefits of human connection
“It is so much easier for me to attend meetings now, I don’t have to get ready, go out, get there, have a quick hours meeting, come back again and only get paid for the meeting”
“Everything is so scheduled for meetings, everything has an agenda. You can’t just have a chat with people”
“If you are doing established co-production work, people may find it easier to switch to Zoom as opposed to those that those having to do it from scratch”
5. Consider the possibility of digital exclusion when suggesting online sessions. Look at partnerships with IT providers to enable those who may be experiencing digital exclusion for financial reasons to participate in online sessions. This can open up opportunities for people who otherwise may be excluded
“ People not being able to afford the technology that will enable them to participate in a workshop, or a group session or even a one on one call can definitely be a barrier. In my organisation we have…been able to partner with other companies such a Vodafone which has really helped in that respect”
“I work in a small organisation with asylum seekers and refugees…one of the big problems is IT accessibility. We went back to basics using Whatsapp and what I found is that the writing skills and reading skills of some of our people has improved as we are not just relying on speaking and listening like we were before. That was an unexpected benefit. But the big problem is accessibility. If their battery is low or their phone is old, what do we do?"
Does this reflect your experience of co-production during Covid-19? We would love to hear how you have overcome the challenges you have faced. Drop us an email here!
If you are wanting some pointers on getting started with co-production, check out Expert Links videos
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