Co-Production With Community Partners: Moving Beyond Consultation

Co-production is frequently referenced in social care strategies, but commissioners are clear that consultation alone does not meet their expectations. They want evidence that people and community partners actively shape services, decisions and priorities.

This expectation aligns with community benefit delivery and supports wider outcomes-focused commissioning.

What commissioners mean by co-production

From a commissioning perspective, co-production means sharing power. Community partners are involved early, influence decisions and help evaluate what works.

This goes beyond surveys or feedback sessions after decisions have already been made.

Common misunderstandings about co-production

Providers often describe engagement activity as co-production without demonstrating influence. Commissioners are increasingly sceptical of claims that lack evidence of change or learning.

True co-production should result in visible adaptations to service design or delivery.

Working with community partners in practice

Effective co-production often involves working with local advocacy groups, community organisations or lived experience networks.

Operational examples include:

• Joint design workshops
• Co-chaired forums or steering groups
• Shared evaluation of pilot initiatives

Governance and accountability

Commissioners expect providers to explain how co-production activity is governed. This includes decision-making authority, escalation routes and how disagreements are managed.

Clear governance reassures commissioners that co-production is meaningful rather than symbolic.

Demonstrating impact from co-production

Strong providers can evidence changes resulting from co-production, such as revised support approaches, improved accessibility or redesigned pathways.

Evidence might include meeting outputs, service changes or feedback from community partners.

Why co-production strengthens tender responses

Credible co-production demonstrates maturity, responsiveness and values alignment. It reassures commissioners that services will evolve with local needs rather than remain static.

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