Coproduction must put community power into practice

8:1§1:26 coproduction must put community power into practice Paul Stepczak’s challenge to organisations claiming to coproduce their services deserves attention. Surveys, consultation events and partnerships between providers can serve useful purposes. Whether they constitute coproduction depends on the power communities exercise. His emphasis on co-design, co-delivery and co-ownership, within equal, reciprocal and ongoing relationships, brings that question into focus. For Co-operatives Wales, this connects directly with our commitment to putting co-operative principles at the heart of services and community life. “Nothing About Us Without Us” requires meaningful rights to influence decisions, challenge priorities and hold decision-makers accountable. People’s involvement must have consequences for what organisations do and how resources are used.