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Principles met

  • Co-production

    We will develop systems that enable citizens to be equal partners in designing and commissioning public services and in determining the use of public resources.

  • Innovation

    We will embrace innovation in how we work with local communities to drive positive change.

  • Learning

    We will capture and ‘expand’ the experience and learning from individual projects and approaches in order to encourage broader application of co-operative principles within individual member Councils and across the Network.

  • Maximising social value

    We will support the development of a framework and criteria for social value, giving substance to the concept and supporting Councils with the tools to ensure better local social and economic outcomes.

  • New models of meeting priority needs

    In exploring new ways of meeting the priority needs of our communities we will encourage models, such as co-operatives and mutuals, which give greater influence and voice to staff and users. in designing and commissioning public services and in determining the use of public resources.

  • Walking the talk

    As a membership organisation, we will make this statement of our principles operational by: • Co-operation among members: Our members work together to help each other implement our values, sharing experiences and learning. • Openness of membership: Full, Associate and Affiliate Membership is open to any qualifying Council, organisation or individual who shares our values and is committed to putting them into action. • Co-production of the Network’s work: Members help shape the Network’s work programme and the content of events and written products. • Action-focused: The network is a vehicle for helping councils translate co-operative values and principles into policy and practice. •Membership-based: The network is majority funded by modest membership subscriptions from its member Councils, Associates and Affiliates. •Non-party-political: Members share the belief that working co-operatively within and across communities holds the key to tackling today’s challenges.

Launched in 2024, the Birmingham SEND Co-production Award Scheme is already recognising nearly 100 organisations for their commitment to meaningful co-production. The initiative raises awareness of collaborative practice and celebrates SEND Services across Birmingham that work in genuine partnership with children, young people and parent carers.

The scheme is open to Birmingham-based organisations in education, health, social care and the voluntary sector which can demonstrate co-production in action. Co-production is defined through the “4Cs” model developed by Governance International: co-commissioning, co-design, co-delivery, and co-assessment. Organisations must evidence activity in at least one of these areas to participate.

Awards are achieved progressively across three stages, reflecting how deeply co-production is embedded:

  • Bronze – awarded when an organisation signs up to and commits to implementing the SEND Co-production Framework and Charter.
  • Silver – granted on submission and assessment of a clear delivery plan, outlining practical action across the 4Cs.
  • Gold – achieved through a robust evidence portfolio demonstrating implementation and the measurable impact on the lives of children, young people and families.

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