Co-Production and Person Voice in CQC Quality Statements: Moving Beyond Consultation
Co-production and person voice are central to the CQC Quality Statements, particularly within Caring and Responsive domains. Inspectors increasingly look beyond consultation to assess whether people genuinely influence their care, support and the wider service.
This article explains how providers can evidence meaningful co-production within the CQC Quality Statements framework, ensuring that involvement is authentic and impactful. It should be read alongside CQC registration and provider readiness, where person-centred approaches are foundational.
From consultation to co-production
Consultation involves asking for views, but co-production means working in partnership. Providers must demonstrate that people are involved in planning, reviewing and shaping services.
This shift is central to meeting modern CQC expectations.
To understand how this topic fits within the broader regulatory landscape, visit our adult social care CQC compliance and oversight hub, which links key areas together.
Commissioner expectation: people influence decisions
Expectation 1: Feedback leads to change. Commissioners expect providers to show how people’s views influence care delivery, service design and improvement.
Regulator expectation: involvement is visible in practice
Expectation 2: People feel heard and respected. Inspectors assess whether individuals feel involved and whether their preferences are reflected in care.
Embedding co-production in care planning
Care planning is a key area where co-production should be evident. Plans should reflect the person’s goals, preferences and choices, with clear evidence of their involvement.
This requires active engagement, not passive agreement.
Operational example 1: Co-produced care planning
A provider supporting a person with physical disabilities worked collaboratively to develop a care plan focused on independence and community access. The individual’s preferences shaped both goals and delivery methods.
This demonstrated genuine co-production aligned with Quality Statements.
Using feedback to drive improvement
Feedback mechanisms should be accessible, meaningful and acted upon. Providers should demonstrate how feedback informs changes and improvements.
This closes the loop between listening and action.
Operational example 2: Feedback leading to service change
Service users reported difficulties with communication during visits. The provider introduced clearer communication protocols and staff training, improving satisfaction and consistency.
This showed that feedback was valued and acted upon.
Involving people in service development
Co-production should extend beyond individual care to service design. This includes involving people in policy development, quality reviews and improvement initiatives.
This demonstrates a commitment to partnership.
Operational example 3: Service user involvement in governance
A provider established a service user forum contributing to quality reviews and decision-making. Feedback from the forum influenced policy changes and service improvements.
This provided strong evidence of co-production at organisational level.
Governance and assurance of co-production
Providers should ensure that co-production is supported by governance, including:
- Regular review of feedback and actions
- Monitoring involvement in care planning
- Reporting on outcomes of engagement
This ensures accountability and consistency.
Avoiding common co-production failures
Common issues include:
- Tokenistic consultation without impact
- Lack of evidence linking feedback to change
- Limited involvement in decision-making
Addressing these gaps strengthens both practice and inspection outcomes.
Creating a culture of partnership
Co-production requires a culture that values partnership, respect and inclusion. Staff should be supported to engage meaningfully with people using services.
This enhances both quality and experience.
From voice to influence
Providers that embed co-production into care planning, service design and governance are best placed to evidence CQC Quality Statements. By demonstrating how people influence decisions and outcomes, services can deliver truly person-centred care.