A practical introduction to working with researchers, practitioners and members of the public through shared decisions, responsibility and learning.
Co-production is an approach in which researchers, practitioners and members of the public work together throughout a project, sharing power and responsibility from the earliest conversations through to generating and using knowledge.
This guidance offers a starting point for teams considering a co-produced approach. It sets out key principles and features, practical ways to put them into action, and areas that need continued attention as the work develops.
Use these themes to build a shared understanding of the project and the conditions needed for meaningful collaboration.
Be clear about why a co-produced approach is being used, what decisions can be shaped together and any limits that already exist.
Create opportunities to understand different forms of expertise, listen carefully and establish respectful ways of working.
Discuss who holds responsibility, how choices will be reached and how disagreements or uncertainty will be handled.
Make time to reflect on what is helping, what needs to change and how the learning can inform the next stage.
A co-produced project needs attention before, during and after individual activities.
Bring together relevant perspectives early and identify the questions, priorities and practical constraints.
Agree accessible ways to communicate, contribute and receive information throughout the work.
Record options, decisions and reasons so everyone can see how contributions affect the project.
Review the experience, acknowledge challenges and explain what the collaboration changed.
It can be useful when a project is able to make space for shared development and decision-making. Teams should be honest about whether the scope, timetable and resources allow genuine influence.
Consider the people with experience and knowledge that are relevant to the research question, including perspectives that may otherwise be missed. Avoid expecting any one person to represent everyone.
Discuss roles, responsibilities, decision-making routes and support at the outset. Return to these agreements as the project changes.
Plan accessible materials, suitable meeting formats, clear information, time for preparation and opportunities to ask questions. Discuss individual needs rather than assuming a single arrangement will work for all.
Differences of view can be valuable. Agree respectful ways to raise concerns, explore options and document the reasons for final decisions.
Keep a simple account of contributions, decisions and resulting actions. Share it with collaborators, including an explanation where an idea could not be taken forward.
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