Help shape care and support services in Kirklees
Do you have personal experience of using care or support services or caring for someone who does? Your voice can help improve how services work for everyone in Kirklees.
You can get involved in two ways:
- Join the Kirklees Co-production Board
- Take part in a reference group
Both options offer ways to share your views and make a difference.
About Co-production
Co-production means working together as equals. It brings together:
- People with lived experience
- Carers
- Professionals and decision-makers
Together, we design and improve care and support services.
Watch this short video to learn what co-production means and why it matters.
The Co-production Board
The Co-production Board is a group of local people, carers and professionals. Members work together to improve the design, delivery and review of services across Kirklees.
As a board member, you will:
- Co-design and co-deliver projects
- Help shape council policies and practices
- Promote inclusive and person-centred approaches
- Build trust between communities and professionals
Meetings and involvement
The board meets every 2 to 3 months, both online and in person. You can also join smaller groups or take part in workshops throughout the year.
People who can get involved
We're looking for people who:
- Live or work in Kirklees
- Have experience of using care, health or wellbeing services or care for someone who does
- Value equality, inclusion and shared decision-making
- Want to help improve services
We especially welcome people from underrepresented communities.
Flexible involvement: reference groups
If you can't commit to the board, you can still get involved through a Reference Group. This option lets you:
- Join one-off sessions or workshops
- Share your views on specific topics
- Take part in a way that suits your availability
What people say about being involved
"We talk about power sharing a lot and this is what it feels like. Moving from a sense that things are being done to us, to a place where we are all moving in the same direction."
"It's definitely worthwhile doing. It just takes a leap of faith, quite a bit of confidence and most importantly a lot of time! But what you come out with at the end is really invaluable."
"Being involved in the co-production work with the council has helped me increase in confidence. I have enjoyed bouncing ideas around with other professionals and service users."
"This co-production stuff is unexpected, but in a good way! I never thought something like this would happen, but I'm glad it is."
Support for you
We want everyone to feel included and supported.
If you join, we offer:
- A warm welcome and induction
- Reasonable adjustments
- Training and development opportunities
- Financial recognition: £20 for a half day or £40 for a full day. (paid by voucher or bank transfer - optional)
How to get involved
If you're interested in joining the Co-production Board or a Reference Group, we'd love to hear from you.
Email: Email coproduction@kirklees.gov.uk. We can send you a recruitment pack or chat about what might suit you best.