Did you know that Healthwatch Essex offer co-production training? Co-production is a fundamental part of what we do. Through our ambassador programmes, research projects, and engagement initiatives, we work in collaboration with those with lived experience to improve health and care across our county. An increasing number of organisations, ranging from local charities to universities and Foundation Trusts, are seeking to build co-production into their work. However, definitions of co-production vary. It can be difficult to know how to truly co-produce something and how to embed the principles of co-production across an organisation.
Our training programme helps participants to navigate what co-production means and how they can employ it within their own organisations. Our training includes up to 4 key sessions:
- What is co-production? This session provides a background to co-production and how it can be defined. Participants will be invited to consider definitions of co-production at their own organisations.
- The principles of co-production. Drawing on case studies from both our own projects and services across the country, we champion the core principles that are vital when putting co-production into practice.
- A whole-systems approach. Taking inspiration from the Social Care Institute for Excellence’s ‘jigsaw model’, this session explores how the principles of co-production can be embedded across an organisation.
- Design your own co-production project! Participants will be given the chance to design their own co-production project during a guided session. Attendees will be encouraged to share their ideas with one another to support project development.
Participants are invited to take part in a range of interactive activities across these sessions to aid learning and skills sharing. Our training fosters a relaxed and supportive environment, with questions and open discussion actively encouraged. We have carried out training sessions with local charities, universities, and other partner organisations, and have received the following feedback:
‘It was a good opportunity to share experience and listen to those experience from other participants.’
‘It was a relatively new area of work for me and has triggered my interest to know and do more in this space’.
‘Group was really engaged and interactive’.
‘Gives a good understanding of co-production for all levels of staff’.
‘Very clear, good engagement with participants. Encouraged open dialogue and challenge – listened, reflected and summarised well – with positive affirmation’.
Get in touch: If your organisation is interested in receiving co-production training or you have a question, please contact our CEO Sam Glover for further information and a tailored quotation: [email protected].