Join other regional digital folk at this free event to learn co-design best practices from our expert speaker.

The Participation Problem: a practical guide to the co-production ladder

"We should co-design it."

It’s a common phrase, but what do we actually mean when we say it? And is a different way of working (engagement, consultation, co-production etc.) more appropriate?

Choosing the ‘wrong’ approach can leave people feeling excluded from decisions that affect them, waste valuable time, and create unrealistic expectations about what will be delivered.

In this interactive session, we'll explore the co-production ladder and how it can help you and your teams identify the most appropriate level of participation for your work.

Through practical activities, you'll experience the difference between co-design and co-production first-hand, reflecting on how power, decision-making, and ownership of the end ‘thing’ changes across different approaches.

Whatever your role in shaping services, you'll leave with a better understanding of when to use different participatory methods and more confidence in selecting the right approach for your next project.

About the speaker

Sarah Stokes is a Senior User Researcher at NHS England. She is currently working with teams in primary and community care to make services simpler and fairer, turning research into clear decisions that solve real problems for patients and staff.

Sarah also helps co-ordinate the training of research practitioners across central and local government, and is studying for an MSc in healthcare leadership to strengthen system-wide change. Based in Gateshead, she cares deeply about dignity in public services, inclusion, and change rooted in local communities.

How to find Opencast

The office is in The Kiln at Hoults Yard, which is through the tunnel to the right of the main Hoults Yard reception.

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Public transport options

The nearest train station is Newcastle main station which is a 35 minute walk or 10 minute taxi ride.

You can also get the Q3 QuayCity (towards St Peters Basin) from Grey Street. Get off at Walker Road-Hawick Crescent.

The nearest Metro station is Byker, which is a 15 minute walk from the office.

FREE Parking

If you are coming by car you will need to validate your parking using the self-service screen in reception.

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