Coproduction

Why coproduction matters

Coproduction is not just about collaboration — it's about creating a union between staff, patients, carers, and the community to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard and valued. This approach leads to more effective, efficient, and empathetic healthcare services. Through co-production, we aim to balance power dynamics, foster trust, and ensure that the services we provide are genuinely reflective of the needs of our community.

Get involved

Whether you’re a staff member, patient, carer, or volunteer, your perspective is vital to our co-production efforts. We invite you to join our training sessions, participate in upcoming initiatives, and contribute to the ongoing development of our coproduction practices.

For more information, or to arrange training, please contact nadia.ahmed@nelft.nhs.uk or visit our Learning Academy resource hub. Together, we can make coproduction a cornerstone of excellence in healthcare at NELFT.

Further developments in coproduction

Future Developments in Coproduction

At NELFT, we are continuously evolving our approach to coproduction to ensure that it remains responsive, inclusive, and impactful. Here’s a look at some of the exciting developments on the horizon:

1. Coproduction Charter (2025)

Early next year, we will embark on coproducing a comprehensive Coproduction Charter. This charter will serve as a guiding document, outlining our shared commitments, principles, and practices for co-production across NELFT. It will reflect the collective input of our staff, patients, carers, and volunteers, ensuring that it is truly representative of our community’s values and goals.

2. Training Pilots and Rollout

Tailored Training Programs: We are in the process of finalising two distinct training tracks — one for NELFT staff and another for Involvement Representatives (IRs) and volunteers. These training programs will be piloted over the coming months, allowing us to gather feedback and refine the content to meet the specific needs of each group.

STEPS integration: We are working with the Training Team to integrate these training sessions into the STEPS booking system, making it easier for participants to register. The aim is to have these sessions available for booking by the end of 2024, with placeholder dates already identified for October and November.

3. Corporate induction enhancement

Introducing coproduction in induction: We are exploring the possibility of including a dedicated segment on coproduction in the NELFT corporate induction process. This will ensure that new staff members are introduced to the concept and its importance right from the start, helping to embed coproduction into the culture of NELFT.

4. Quarterly coproduction updates

Regular Communication: To keep our community informed and engaged, we will be launching a series of quarterly updates via our internal communications channels. These updates will provide the latest information on co-production activities, upcoming training sessions, and opportunities for involvement.

How to get involved

We believe that everyone has a role to play in co-production at NELFT, and we are committed to making it easy for you to participate. Here’s how you can get involved:

1. Join our Coproduction initiatives

Training sessions: Register for one of our upcoming coproduction training sessions below. These sessions are designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively engage in co-production activities within NELFT. Keep an eye on the STEPS booking system for the latest dates and availability.

Workshops and events: Participate in workshops, focus groups, and other coproduction events. These are great opportunities to collaborate with staff, patients, and carers on specific projects and initiatives. Let us know if you have projects in your localities too! We would love to showcase these at this space!

2. Contribute to the Coproduction Charter

Coproduction Charter Development: Your input is vital in shaping our Coproduction Charter. We will be holding a series of coproduction sessions early next year to learn from you as a part if the NELFT community. Watch this space for more details on how you can contribute.

3. Share your story

Stories of Coproduction: We are always looking for real-life examples of co-production in action. If you have a story to share about your experience with co-production, whether positive or challenging, we would love to hear from you. Your story could help inspire others and contribute to our ongoing learning and improvement efforts.

4. Stay informed and connected

Contact us:

Have questions or want to learn more about coproduction at NELFT?

Email nadia.ahmed@nelft.nhs.uk to reach out to our Patient Experience Academy & Coproduction Lead, contact our Patient Experience team on 0300 555 1201 Ext: 64228 / 64382 / 64229 or email involvement@nelft.nhs.uk

We’re here to help and support you in your co-production journey.

By getting involved, you help ensure that our services are designed and delivered in ways that truly reflect the needs and preferences of our community. Together, we can make co-production a defining feature of healthcare at NELFT.