Blog: Nothing about me without me: the value of co-production

Not long after I joined the NMC, I talked about the importance of working in co-production with the public, professionals and our partners to develop our new strategy. In short, we can’t develop the strategy – or anything else we’re working on – without the knowledge and experience of other people, all of whom have a different perspective on how the NMC’s work affects them.

Co-production brings fresh ideas to the table, helps us think differently and learn from the expertise of other people, and ensures we are challenged on our assumptions and asking tough questions of ourselves.

This is why I’m delighted that we have been involving a wide range of people across all four countries, including Jeanne, in the co-production of our new strategy.

The first phase of our engagement has ended and latest figures just in show we’ve had more than 2,500 responses from online channels and our postcards – which is just fantastic – and there’s many other opportunities to come.

I personally cannot wait until 24 July when we will be formally kicking off the formal consultation of our strategic themes together with a whole host of other co-production events.

I’m really looking forward to meeting lots more people on our co-production trail – starting with the next public and patient round table session in September.

See you there!

Andrea

 

As someone who champions the value of co-production, it’s brilliant to see how much work is going on to involve different groups in shaping the future of the NMC. A really diverse range of people have been included – from members of the public and people who use services – to charities and public bodies, as well as nurses, midwives and nursing associates.

I’ve been involved through a co-production roundtable event of public and patient organisations. Working on tables, we discussed our ideas in small groups. This meant that we could think through the issues together, and each person brought new ideas into the conversation.

During one discussion, there was some confusion about the meaning of a specific statement. By having different voices there, we identified something concrete that needed to be clearer to ensure it makes sense to everyone, and the NMC in turn benefit from that being pointed out!  

Co-production helps you come to a more rounded view of things. Although it can take longer, what you come out with at the end is more likely to reflect the needs and perspectives of everyone. I’m really pleased that the NMC is ensuring that co-production is not just a word, but is actually being put into practice.

Andrea and her team have told me that the process is not over – there is more co-production to come! Everyone has something to bring to the mix so get involved. Whether we work in health and social care or not, all of us will receive care from a nurse, midwife or nursing associate at some point in our lives, or someone we love will, so I think it’s worth us getting involved to help make it the best it can be in the future.

 Jeanne Carlin

Co-production week is organised annually by the Social Care Institute for Excellence.
Find out more about it and how to get involved.

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