Research shared on creating change through experience and partnerships
Representatives from a range of organisations joined together to hear about research by academics from the University of Chester on creating change shaped by experience and strong partnerships.
Dr Holly White and Dr Kim Ross were invited by Cheshire West Voluntary Action to present their recent work, which has sought to develop a definition and principles of co-production.
Dr Holly White is Deputy Head of the Department of Social and Political Sciences, Co-Programme Leader of the Criminology programme, and Senior Lecturer in Criminology, and Dr Kim Ross is a Senior Lecturer in Criminology at the University.
The event at Ellesmere Port Civic Hall in December launched the Local Voices Framework and their report which is an initial stage in the project, to 50 representatives of public, voluntary and community frontline organisations.
The work defines co-production as “the building of respectful and empowering relationships alongside the sharing of ideas between those with lived experience and other stakeholders. Both contribute their knowledge, skills and experiences to co-create actionable change. Co-production is a challenging process that requires reflection and dedication to ongoing collective learning”.
The report adds that co-production should be a catalyst of a movement of positive social change.
The aim of the event was to bring a range of public and voluntary and community frontline sector (VCFS) organisations on board with the initiative and to discuss next steps for how to embed co-production as a way of working for these services in the Cheshire West area.
Dr White and Dr Ross outlined the research that had taken place to inform the development of the definition and principles. They then set out the definition and principles and discussed what would be needed in order to put them into practice.
Dr Ross said: “This was an exciting opportunity for us to share the work we have been doing in developing a definition and key principles for co-production. The value of co-production lies in the process, so we are looking forward to seeing how local organisations put these principles into action.”
Dr White and Dr Ross are part of the Social Justice Chester research group. Social Justice Chester is an interdisciplinary team of academics based at the University of Chester. Its research aims to address social harms and is underpinned by a participatory approach. Members are advocates for the role that universities can have in making a positive change within their local communities and regions.
For further information, please email Dr Ross at: kim.ross@chester.ac.uk.