Invitation for Citizens to become members of a Co-production Panel within the University of Birmingham, to Enable Sustainable Partnerships between Health Technology Providers and Underserved Communities across Birmingham

The University of Brimingham have procured Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC) to recruit participants to the Co-production Panel.  The first step will be to attend a co-production training session to enable citizens, clinicians and health technology providers to communicate effectively.

The first half-day workshop will be held for citizens, in person on either Tuesday 14th, 15th and 16th January  2025. People from underserved communities are particularly welcome to apply.

Who is Involved and What is the Timescale?

The University of Brimingham (UoB) have procured Birmingham Voluntary Services Council (BVSC) to recruit participants to the Co-production Panel.  The first step will be to attend a co-production training session to enable citizens, clinicians and health technology providers to communicate effectively.

 

The first half-day workshop will be held for citizens, in person on either Tuesday 14th, Wednesday 15th or Thursday 16th January  2025. People from underserved communities are particularly welcome to apply.

 

How will Sustainable Partnerships be Maintained?

Enabling sustainable partnerships between health technology providers and underserved communities requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the unique challenges and needs of these communities. Involving community members in the planning and decision-making processes ensures that solutions are culturally appropriate and meet actual needs.

Building trust and relationships involves demonstrating a long-term commitment and collaborating with local organizations and leaders who have established trust within the community.

This work will create a co-production panel incorporating stakeholders from health care organisations, local communities and health care technology providers. These will then meet in a series of themed workshops to support the development of health technology that better meets the needs of local communities.    

 

What is Co-production + Why do we need citizens need to be involved?

Often when citizens, supplier and clinicians speak citizens do not feel understood – especially if they are from underserved communities.  Enabling them to work in a co-productive way with suppliers and clinicians will ensure the voice of people with lived experience to be heard, to ensure they are able to feel confident and able to contribute effectively. 

 

What will you be required to do if you are accepted on the project?

Participants will be part of a focus group who meet for the workshop in person. The workshops will explore experience and opinions of the participants and explore how these could be enhanced in the future.

What will I need to take part?

You will need to be able to attend a 30 minute pre-workshop conversation with the trainer from BVSC, and attend an in-person half-day workshop in Birmingham, staying for the full duration of the workshop. You will then become a member of the University of Birmingham Co-production Panel.

 

Will I be reimbursed for my time?

We offer to reimburse your time in the workshops at a rate of £15 per hour plus reasonable travel expenses.  Refreshments will be provided.   You have the option of claiming for these hours, but you can also choose a charity to donate the funds to if you prefer. If you are selected to take part the payment information will be sent to you via email.  Payment guidance for members of the public considering involvement in research | NIHR

 

Am I guaranteed to be selected?

Not everyone will be accepted. We are committed to including a diverse mix of citizens in this project. We have a fixed amount of resources to support a limited number of participants. It is possible that you may not be selected if we have too many participants from one demographic.

 

How do I apply to be a participant?

We would be very grateful for your support with the project.

Please send an email with a brief description of why you are interested, and whether you have any previous experience of co-production.  Please also confirm which times you would be available on 14th, 15th or 16th January to [email protected] by 5pm on Friday 29th November.

If you have any questions before submitting an expression of interest please feel free to email [email protected] 

We will notify you by the Monday 9th December to confirm whether you have been successful or not.