At the Academy, we’re constantly evolving how we work in partnership with our Side-by-Side patient network and how we support individuals and teams to co-produce research and drive service improvements with service users at the helm. One powerful lesson that keeps surfacing in our work is this: the outcomes of co-production often look very different from what we originally imagined.

And that’s a good thing. Why? Because true co-production brings together a wide range of perspectives, lived experiences, and creative ideas. The result? More inclusive, innovative, and impactful solutions to the complex challenges we face in healthcare.

The Power of Partnership

Co-production is built on the principle of working in equal partnership. It values and harnesses people’s assets, knowledge, and lived experiences. While this approach may feel unfamiliar, or even a little uncomfortable at first, it offers something truly powerful: the opportunity to explore ideas together in a way that leads to fresh thinking and more effective outcomes.

But here’s the catch: generating ideas with people isn’t as simple as just putting everyone in a room and hoping for magic. It takes thought, intention, and most importantly inclusion.

Rethinking How We Create Together

Often, the people who are most affected by the systems we’re trying to improve are the ones who are least likely to be invited in or heard. That must change. These individuals bring unique insights and ideas precisely because of their closeness to the issues. To truly co-produce with them, we need to rethink how we generate ideas.

For the most part, traditional formats like PowerPoint presentations, rigid agendas, or formal meetings don’t spark creativity and can unintentionally exclude people. What if, instead, we designed spaces that felt welcoming, fun, and safe? What if people enjoyed the process of generating ideas together?

Tools That Make It Happen

That’s where creative tools and methods can help you. We’ve seen firsthand how approaches like Liberating Structures, Fun retrospectives, and Recipes of Engagement with Young People can transform how people engage and create together. These tools help break down barriers to participation and make it easier for everyone, regardless of background or experience to contribute meaningfully.

The best part? They’re simple, adaptable, and highly effective. When we tailor our approach to suit the people we’re working with, we unlock powerful, surprising, and innovative ideas that might never have surfaced otherwise.

Celebrating Innovation Through Co-Production

This year’s Co-production Week (30 June – 4 July) is all about innovation through co-production. It’s a chance to share what’s working, celebrate successes, and shine a spotlight on the real-world impact of co-production in health and social care.

At its heart, innovation is about challenging the status quo, asking new questions, listening deeply, and turning shared ideas into actions that make a difference.

It’s Not Just What We Do. It’s How We Do It.

When we work in partnership with people and communities, the how matters just as much as the what. By using inclusive, creative, and human-centred approaches, we can co-produce ideas that are not only innovative—but also meaningful, relevant, and lasting.

Let’s continue to break down the barriers, shake up the formats, and create the kind of spaces where everyone’s voice can be heard. Because that’s where the real innovation lives. Have a go and learn by doing.

Find out more and gain training and support

Carl Adams and Natalie Royston, People Participation Team.