"A way of working whereby, citizens and decision makers, or people who draw on services, family carers and service providers work together to create a decision or service which works for them all. The approach is value driven and built on the principle that those who use a service are best placed to help design it" definition by Skills For Care"

Bringing people together who care about, work in and have experience of using social care services. Sharing ideas, knowledge and experience to achieve better outcomes for individuals, ensuring services are meeting needs.

Co-production is a meeting of equals, working collectively.

It means everyone recognising that:

• people who draw on services are often the best people to design them
• everyone has something to give
• no one is more important than anyone else
• everyone has responsibilities
• the existing relationships between professionals and people with lived experience will change

It means the Council:

• recognising what skills and experiences people have and not seeing them only as 'those who draw on services' but experts by experience
• changing the way in which it works to be more open to new ideas
• creating a culture of continuous learning about what has worked well and not so well

Co-production focuses on prevention and early intervention, minimising potential need for services.

Different work within Adult Social Care will need different approaches. We may not always be able to co-produce but we will always ask the question - why not? We think it's important to be open and honest with the people we are working with.

Would you like to:

• give us your thoughts and opinions?
• influence the way services are designed?
• develop your skills and networks?

We are looking for people who have experience of social care services, care for someone who does or has a vested interest in the development of social care and support; to work with us in the future.

We value your time, skills and experience.