Co-production Case Studies

We know from talking to our network and from our analytical website data that a lot of people are in search of case studies of co-production in action. We've been speaking to and collecting the details you need from people at all stages of their co-production journey - from the contemplative steps at the beginning of the process, to how you use the evidence based to train more people to do co-pro!

We're always looking for examples to add so please do get in touch if you're doing co-production and want to share you work and help others see how it works in practice.

Starting out

It can be daunting at the start of a co-production process because, while you understand the theory, it can all look a little intimidating to bring all the pieces together. In this case study, Paul Stevenson from Bethany Christian Trust reflects on his experiences at the start of a co-produced homelessness prevention project and how he was given suggestions and support at our ideas clinic.

Making it work in practice and keeping people engaged

Once you’re underway, how do you ensure that the co-production process is working well for everyone involved? In the experience of VOX Scotland, you should simply ask the people involved, and reap the knowledge of their lived experience. In this case study, Michelle McBride describes several practical ways to make it work, signposts to useful further resources and explains how VOX have embedded co-production principles in their mental health advocacy work.

Recognising and rewarding co-design

The topic of how, why and when to reward participation in co-production is a hot one and there are many things to consider. These can include removing barriers to participation, addressing power imbalances and valuing a diversity of knowledge and experience while providing compensation and appreciation. In this case study, Zsara McEwan details the creation of a co-design remuneration and rewards policy which was part of a wider Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector project aimed at changing the way family support services are procured and designed.

Training people to do good, evidence-based co-creation

As co-production, co-creation and co-design gain popularity as methods in practice, the risks associated with not doing them well loom large and it is important that people planning to use these methods have up-to-date skills and knowledge. The team at Health CASCADE is using their evidence base to develop a training package that guides individuals and organisations on how to plan, govern, and conduct such projects. In this case study Niamh Smith reflects on some of the challenges involved in creating an evidence-based training package and the useful insights she gleaned from our ideas clinic.