How to Co-produce Training in Social Care: Practical Tips and Resources
Lived experience brings a depth of understanding that formal training alone cannot replicate. When people who have navigated care systems themselves help design and deliver learning, the result is richer, more relevant, and more impactful.
“Our studies have evidenced that co-produced training in social care builds confidence, breaks down hierarchies, and ensures that everyone – professionals and people with lived experience- learns together.” – Paul Webb, Head of Research, Praxis Care
Building Genuine Collaboration
Co-producing a course involves active collaboration between all parties, and is most successful when people with lived experience are involved from the start – not added later as a token gesture. Co-producers should have clear roles in design, delivery, and evaluation, with accessible communication and mutual respect built into the process.
Open conversations about expectations and goals ensure that all participants feel valued and prepared to contribute. The process works best when time is invested in relationship-building, flexibility, and shared decision-making.
Designing Learning That Builds Confidence
Confidence is both a goal and a foundation of co-produced training. Staff should be encouraged to create space for people with lived experience to practise skills in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. Activities like group discussions, scenario-based learning, or role-play help everyone reflect and learn from each other.
Lived experience facilitators bring authenticity and empathy, helping others understand the real-world impact of social care decisions and the importance of inclusive communication.
Supporting and Sustaining Co-Production
The success of co-production depends on intentional, ongoing support.
Organisations should:
- Ensure all materials are accessible, including Easy Read and visual formats.
- Offer structured training and debriefing to build confidence and manage emotional demands.
- Provide flexible recognition (through pay, vouchers, or time off) to reflect contributions without affecting welfare benefits.
- Balance support with independence, allowing contributors to lead in their own ways.
“Being part of co-produced training showed me I could use my experiences to help others, and to keep learning myself.” – Katherine Greer, Peer Researcher, Praxis Care
Key Takeaways
People with lived experience bring perspectives that reveal gaps and possibilities professionals might overlook. Their insights can reshape how services understand autonomy, communication, and dignity.
For individuals, co-production builds skills, confidence, and purpose. For organisations, it strengthens empathy, accountability, and the quality of training delivered. When lived experience and professional expertise come together, learning becomes a shared act of growth – transforming both practice and people.
References:
- Blair, C., Best, P., Burns, P. et al. (2022) ‘Getting involved in research’: a co-created, co-delivered and co-analysed course for those with lived experience of health and social care services. Research, Involvement and Engagement 8, 20 https://doi.org/10.1186/s40900-022-00353-x
- Research Department (2023) Reflections on Praxis Care’s work with peer researchers. Belfast: Praxis Care and Queen’s University Belfast.
- Montgomery, L., Kelly, B., Campbell, U. et al. (2022) ‘Getting our voices heard in research: a review of peer researcher’s roles and experiences on a qualitative study of adult safeguarding policy.’ Research, Involvement and Engagement 8, 64. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40900-022-00403-4.