What is co-production?

Co-production should be considered as moving on beyond involvement, participation and engagement with SEND children and young people, parents and carers, towards something that is about people who use SEND services being treated equally and having a more powerful role in the services they receive, so that their experience of these services is more meaningful and more in tune with what they need.

Why is it important?

Co-production is now accepted as key to effective public services. It involves citizens and public service organisations making the most of each other’s strengths, assets and contributions to improve public services. The principle behind it is that it allows the resources of service users and members of the community – their knowledge, skills, time and effort – to be mobilised more effectively, to increase the outcomes they experience, in terms of a better quality of life.

“It is about relationships and the process of working together. So much can be achieved if we get this right rather than focus or rush to demonstrate an outcome. True inclusion and equality happen when the way we work together is valued and celebrated every bit as much as what we make.”

Janet Ternant – Parent and Co-production Lead at Resources for Autism