In this Twilight session Charlotte will lead is in considering the complexities and challenges of co-production, focusing on how researchers and practitioners can authentically collaborate with individuals whose lives are intertwined with the services and support they access. Co-production is a powerful framework in research and practice, particularly in fields like social care, health, and community development. However, the process is fraught with competing influences, such as institutional priorities, professional boundaries, and the lived experiences of service users. 

This talk will examine strategies for managing these competing influences while maintaining the integrity of the co-production process. Drawing on real-world examples and research insights from the NIHR funded project ‘Our Digital Health’, we will explore how researchers and practitioners can foster genuine partnerships, manage power dynamics, and create spaces where people’s voices are heard and valued. Attendees will leave with ideas for better navigating the ethical, logistical, and relational challenges of co-production. 

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