What co-production is
There are many different definitions of co-production, but all have the same basic meaning here's an example from 'Think Local Act Personal' (TLAP):
The word co-production refers to a way of working whereby everybody works together on an equal basis to create a service or come to a decision which works for them all.
It’s based on the principle that those who access a service are best placed to design it.
And here's the definition and approach currently adopted by Adult Social Care:
Co-production is an equal relationship between us and Derbyshire people who use our services where the decision-making power is shared so that we can better plan and deliver the outcomes of our services.
This means that we increase the relevance and usefulness of what we do, as well as improving the quality and effectiveness of the services we deliver.
Why it matters
By sharing your experiences and ideas, you can help shape services that are more inclusive, responsive, and effective.
We want to hear from people who use adult social care and their carers to help us:
- understand what matters to you
- improve how services are designed and delivered
- make sure support is accessible and meets real needs
The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) has a short film explaining co-production: what it is and how to do it
Ways to get involved
You can join one or more of our co-production groups:
- Reps on Board: people with learning disabilities, and professionals working together to improve services.
- Derbyshire Stakeholder Engagement Board: this offers advice and feedback on services, policies, and communication materials.
- Co-production Network: work with us as equals to review and shape services based on lived experience.
- Linking up with voluntary, community support groups: support, and networking opportunities relating to voluntary and community groups. No qualifications needed - just your experience.
Join our mailing list to be the first to hear about opportunities when they arise by completing this form:
Join the co-production mailing list
You can also email us for more information: asch.tell.adultcare@derbyshire.gov.uk
What makes co-production different
Unlike traditional participation, co-production means shared decision-making from start to finish. It’s not just about giving feedback - it’s about working together to create change.
Aberdeenshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership made a short film which helps to explain it: 'The Parable of the Blobs and Squares (YouTube).
The Ladder of Co-production
The 'Ladder of Co-production' shows different levels of involvement - from simply being informed to full co-production.
While we aim for the top, we know some decisions are shaped by law or policy. Still, we always try to involve people as much as possible.
Levels of involvement
- Inform: providing people with information to help them to understand any problem and possible solutions
- Consult: gathering data, insights and feedback from Derbyshire residents on any proposed change.
- Involve: working with Derbyshire residents and experts to ensure opinions and experiences are consistently understood and considered through continual conversation in a variety of forums.
- Co-produce: Involving people in every area of decision making. Working with Derbyshire residents to inform solutions, and using their advice and recommendations in decisions. Recognising co-production is a long-term relationship.
- Empower: putting decision-making in the hands of local people. Person-centred care is an example where people make informed decisions about their care, look after their health and wellbeing and access the right care at the right time.
Our commitment
Our Adult Social Care Participation Strategy (attached to this page) sets out how we’ll work in equal partnership with local people.
We’re committed to listening, learning, and acting together. The strategy establishes how people can become involved and influence change.
Reward and recognition
We value your time and input. When you work with us on co-production projects, we’ll make sure your contribution is recognised with our Reward and Recognition Policy (attached to this page).