Co-production happens differently everywhere. When it’s done well, key ingredients often include having clear roles for all involved, working together to agree shared goals laid out at the start, a sharing of power and decision-making with staff, and budgets set aside to recognise and reward people for their time and expertise. It’s also about involving a variety of people with diverse skills and lived experience.

This document brings together different approaches, ideas, and experimentation around co-production from the East of England and West Midlands ADASS (Association of Directors of Adult social Services) regions. It has been created to share ideas and inspire you to develop your approach to co-production. Inside you’ll also find recommendations from the people involved – both people with lived experience and staff – who are working together, trying things out and learning as they go.