Participation and co-production best practice

In Norfolk, we have adopted the Lundy Model of Participation. Practitioners and professionals should follow this model, when participating with children, young people and families.

The Lundy model is based on four key elements; space, voice, audience and influence.

Space

Give children and young people (CYP) and families safe and inclusive opportunities to form and express their views. You should consider:

• What opportunities/spaces have been provided for young people's involvement?
• Is the venue accessible, friendly and safe?
• Are the staff appropriately trained and supported?
• Have children, young people and families been asked how they want to be communicated with?
• Has information been adapted to make it accessible for all?
• Have CYP and families from a variety of backgrounds had the chance to be involved?

Voice

Provide information and support for CYP and families to express their views. Ask yourself:

• Have children, young people and families been asked for their views?
• Are creative, fun and diverse activities being used to support children and young people and families to express a view on a topic?
• Have children, young people and families been provided with enough information to form a view?
• Is enough time being given to fully discuss issues?
• Where have the voices of children and young people been heard and acted upon?

Audience

Make sure the views of CYP and families are communicated to the right people. Things to think about:

• Are appropriate decision-makers involved and engaged?
• Does the audience have power to make decisions?
• Do children, young people and families know who their views are being shared with? And what will happen afterwards?
• Is there a clear agreed process in place for communicating back children and young people's views? Is this done in an accessible way?
• How have decision makers and partners heard young people's views and changed things based on their feedback?

Influence

Make sure the views of CYP and families are taken seriously and acted on where possible. You should consider:

• Have the views of children and young people and families been considered and how were they recorded?
• Have children and young people and families been told how their views influenced a decision? If not, why not?
• Is there a process in place for children and young people and families to hold decision-makers to account?
• When and how will children and young people and families see the impact of their participation?

The Lundy Model of co-production was developed by Professor Laura Lundy, Co-Director of the Centre for Children's Rights and a professor in the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work at Queen's University, Belfast.