3rd – 7th July is National Coproduction Week – a time to reflect on what this is, how it works, and how you can be involved!
The word “coproduction” is frequently used – but often, people don’t know what it means, or how it differs from other forms of engagement and consultation.
Definitions of exactly what co-production means vary, but the term is used to describe partnership working and a more equal sharing of power between people who draw on care and support, carers and citizens to improve public services; and which engages groups of people at the earliest stages of service design, development and evaluation.
Coproduction is most often used in the context of health and social care – in fact The Care Act 2014 specifically includes the concept of co-production in its statutory guidance. The guidance developed by the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) defines co-production and suggests that it should be a key part of implementing the Care Act. In particular, co-production should be used to develop preventative, strength-based services, support assessment, shape the local care market, and plan information and advice services.
The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) guide to coproduction can be found here: https://www.scie.org.uk/co-production along with this helpful video explanation: https://youtu.be/nbShL4YZvZ0
