Co-Production in Digital Enablement: Choosing Technology With People, Not For Them

Digital enablement delivers the strongest outcomes when people are involved in decisions from the outset. Co-production ensures technology reflects personal goals, tolerance for risk and preferences for privacy rather than organisational convenience. This approach sits at the centre of Person-Centred Technology and complements strong practice in Involving Family & Advocates.

What co-production means in practice

Co-production is not asking someone to approve a pre-selected device. It involves defining outcomes together, exploring options, trialling solutions and reviewing impact. People must have genuine influence over whether technology is introduced, adapted or removed.

Commissioner and regulator expectations

Expectation 1: Outcomes-led digital decision-making

Commissioners expect providers to demonstrate how technology supports independence, safety and wellbeing outcomes rather than simply evidencing deployment. Evaluation often focuses on how impact is measured and reviewed.

Expectation 2: Clear rationale where technology intersects with risk

Inspectors expect providers to evidence that digital tools linked to risk or monitoring are proportionate, time-limited where appropriate, and regularly reviewed. The person’s voice must be clearly visible in decision records.

A workable co-production pathway

Step 1: Start with the person’s goal

Define what the person wants to achieve in their own words, such as feeling safer at night, going out independently or reducing prompts.

Step 2: Explore options and boundaries

Discuss non-digital and digital options, agree data boundaries, and clarify what “no” looks like before any trial begins.

Step 3: Trial and review

Agree a short trial period with clear success measures. Capture feedback in accessible formats and adjust accordingly.

Step 4: Record rationale and review points

Document options considered, why the chosen approach aligns to outcomes, and when it will be reviewed. This forms the core assurance evidence.

Operational examples

Example 1: Community confidence through a simple digital prompt

A person anxious about asking for help in public co-produced a discreet digital prompt linked to an agreed staff response. Trials refined the format, leading to improved confidence and fewer crisis calls.

Example 2: Reducing prompts without reducing contact

Smart reminders replaced repetitive staff prompts while maintaining scheduled social interaction. Reviews showed improved dignity and reduced frustration.

Example 3: Family reassurance without over-sharing

A limited alert system provided reassurance without granting full access to daily records, reducing conflict and preserving autonomy.

Governance and assurance

Effective co-production is supported by:

• Standard templates for recording options considered
• Defined review points following trials
• Manager oversight of rationale and consent
• Supervision prompts focused on dignity and restriction risk

What success looks like

Successful co-production results in technology that people use willingly, that supports independence, and that stands up to commissioning and inspection scrutiny through clear evidence of choice, proportionality and review.