The co-production role, is challenging
The co-production, engagement, participation, or public and patient involvement role in organisations is challenging. At times it can feel overwhelming and lonely to be leading or managing co-production. Especially if one person or a small team is expected to manage co-production in organisations which have thousands of employees and clients. There’s no blueprint for how to do co-production, there’s no established right or wrong way to do it. This makes it both exciting and daunting. Often workers are trying to manage the high expectations of both senior leaders and people who draw on support. There may be resistance, misunderstanding and envy from other staff. And this can lead to feeling isolated and under supported. In addition, we bring so much of ourselves to the work of co-production. Many of us are drawn to this work because we share experiences of distress, disability and/or being let down by the health and welfare systems.
Reflective Practice can help
Reflective Practice Groups are a well established and powerful approach to supporting people doing complex and demanding roles. A group offers
- Protected time to step back from the day to day
- A confidential space to work through challenges and opportunities
- Build trust with a group of peers
- Share learning, give and receive support
- Activate your capacity for finding creative solutions
What did participants say about the Co-production Reflective Practice group?
I have been running a reflective practice group for co-production specialists for two years now. It’s been a wonderful experience to support the group and watch people develop and grow over the year. The group has given members the time and space to explore a range of issues and dilemmas. These have included the power imbalances inherent in the co-production role and how working with this is sometimes uncomfortable. The pressure to be fair and just whilst also setting boundaries, and the complexities of creating safe spaces for everyone participating in co-production.
Group members said they benefited from the regular time to be reflective and to honestly share dilemmas. Over the year they experienced the value of getting under the surface of an issue before leaping to solutions. They learned how helpful it was to pay attention to how issues make one feel and to use this as data to help make sense of things. Members said how much they learnt from each other and how hearing about the struggles of other members reduced feelings of isolation.
“Being part of this reflective practice group has been invaluable to my work in academic patient and public involvement (PPI). In the midst of a busy schedule, it has offered a meaningful space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the core values that drive my co-production work. The sessions have helped me stay grounded and intentional, and I’ve found the shared insights and support from others in the group both affirming and inspiring.”
Dr Sarah Rees, Public Involvement Lead, National Centre for Mental Health, Cardiff University
The co-production reflective group is open to new members join here