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A Better Start Southend
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Essential principles for Co-production

8 non-negotiables that must be in place for genuine co-production to succeed and thrive.

Introduction

Over the past ten years, A Better Start Southend (ABSS) made co-production a fundamental part of how services are designed and delivered in Southend. By working in genuine partnership with parents and carers, ABSS has ensured that lived experience is not only heard but placed at the heart of decision-making.

 

In LGBTQ+ families, sometimes one or both parents may breastfeed, depending on their bodies and personal choices. For example, in some families, a non-birthing parent may also be able to breastfeed through a process called induced lactation. Every family is different, and what matters most is finding what works best for them and their baby.

 

This approach has transformed the way services are shaped—placing families in the role of experts and collaborators, rather than simply recipients of support. Together, we have co-designed projects that are more relevant, inclusive, and impactful, building a strong foundation of trust and mutual respect. From early years services to community support initiatives, this decade of learning has shown that when families and professionals work side by side, the outcomes are better for everyone.

Southend Parent Champions are volunteers, who were trained and supported by Southend Association of Voluntary Services (SAVS), as part of ABSS. The Parent Champions worked to promote the programme and increase engagement with families, particularly those in the community. They also share their lived experiences with ABSS and co-designed and co-produced services.

This commitment is captured through 8 non-negotiables identified by the ABSS Parent Champions, that they agreed need to be in place for genuine co-production to succeed and thrive.

The 8 non-negotiables for co-production

1

Nothing done for us without us

Whoever benefits from the service needs to be involved in designing and planning the service before any discussions are had or any decisions are made. Don’t start with a pre-conceived idea, because the idea itself needs to be part of the design and planning process.

2

Flexibility

Be open about the goal, and how and when to reach it; and be prepared and accepting of changes identified at all points along the way – from the very beginning.

3

Equal value

Recognising that everyone round the table brings something of equal value even if they are all very different things coming from very different perspectives.

4

Equal responsibility

Decisions should be made together as a group from the beginning to the end of the process – no one person or groups of people are, or should appear to be, more important than anyone else.

5

Good communication and appropriate support

Is needed to enable all participants in the process to have a good understanding of:

  • The background to the project
  • The aim of the project
  • The budget and any other constraints that exist
  • What is expected at each meeting
  • Any tabled papers, plans or reports – with clarity on how to access them and how to give feedback on them
  • How they will get feedback on the ideas and comments they have brought to the table – ‘you said, we did’

6

Accessibility from the start

Take time to think about, really understand and remove any barriers to participation. Think about:

  • The need for suitable and high-quality creche provision (if parents of young children are involved in the process)
  • Any language barriers and how these could be addressed – for example do you need interpreters or translated documents?
  • If venues are truly accessible with appropriate transport links and adjacent parking for those with mobility issues
  • Disabled access to all parts of the building
  • Any jargon and acronyms used – and making no assumptions about understanding
  • The formality of clothes or lanyards/badges worn – could this be intimidating or create an artificial barrier
  • Times of meetings - are they convenient for parents in relation to school runs, school holidays etc

7

Adequate Funding throughout the co-production journey

To ensure:

  • Necessary training can be provided
  • Appropriate support and guidance for all volunteers is in place throughout
  • Appropriate support and guidance for all staff involved is in place throughout
  • A quality creche continues to be provided throughout the process (if parents of young children are involved)
  • Any other participants’ access needs can be met

8

Put it in place from before the project even starts

It is important to take the time to get to know your community and build relationships and trust between the people who will be working together to co-produce, before the work even starts – and then start to discuss the project, the ideas and the detail once people are ready to work together comfortably.

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