York's Model of Joint Partnership working (co-production)

We need to:

• listen - gather and hear the voices of all stakeholders involved, prioritising the child in every conversation
• plan - with all of those stakeholders and the child, outline the plan and ensure everyone understands the process
• do - together, complete the action (for example, a meeting, paperwork or a review)
• feedback - feedback the outcomes or completed task to all involved and check that all understand the final result

Example activities include:

• use video, pictures or drawings to represent the child views
• change words on paper into games or symbols so the child understands
• let the young person host the meeting, give them responsibility – make them know how important they are

Some tips for Individual Joint Partnership include:

1. Hear the voice of the child from the outset to the end.
2. Work together to develop agreed outcomes using a variety of communication styles or tool.
3. Provide alternative methods to be involved if they wish to not be present at meetings.
4. Select and adapt environments and working styles to create a more relaxed atmosphere.
5. Be honest with those involved about things that cannot be achieved, offer solutions and do not disregard their views.
6. Feedback to and check in with families where possible.
7. Gather feedback around their involvement. Was it a success, was it meaningful and purposeful?

Ask yourself:

• did you ensure all involved understood the language, process and purpose throughout?
• have you reconsidered and actively used the child and parent views before making any decision?
• were the child and parent views used in a way that can be seen and recognised in the final outcome (for example, an Education, Health and Care Plan)?