Coproduction is the other process that is central to our operations.
Co-production essentially describes a relationship between service provider and service user that draws on the knowledge, ability and resources of both to develop solutions to issues that are claimed to be successful, sustainable and cost-effective, changing the balance of power from the professional towards the service user. The approach is used in work with both individuals and communities.
The New Economics Foundation has developed a work stream focusing on the theory and practice of co-production which provides the following useful definition:
“Co‐production means delivering public services in an equal and reciprocal relationship between professionals, people using services, their families and their neighbours. Where activities are co‐produced in this way, both services and neighbourhoods become far more effective agents of change”.
(adapted from http://coproductionscotland.org.uk/about/what-is-co-production/ )