Building The Boat

"Co-production is a new vision for public services which offers a better way to respond to the challenges we face - based on recognising the resources that citizens already have, and delivering serviceswithrather thanforservice users, their families and their neighbours." NESTA

There is a growing body of evidence to show how equal partnerships between professionals and the public can be transformative in shaping public services. New conversations are taking place about how people can help shape delivery, though there is no doubt we are still in the early stages of understanding how co-production can transform mainstream public services.

But what about co-production in public policy-making? How can we engage people to explore evidence, balance public benefit and work alongside policymakers. The recent Scottish Youth Commission on Alcohol is a recent example which tried to tackle this, with 18 young volunteers aged 14-21 working for a year to explore our country's relationship with alcohol and to make recommendations for policy and practice.

Building The Boat: Young People As Co-Producers Of Policy details the process used in the Youth Commission model and how this can be used as an effective example of involving young people in policy making and co-production. 

Click on the "Building The Boat" link below to download this publication.