Co-production and Sure Start Childrenʹs Centres: Reflecting upon Usersʹ, Perspectives and Implications for Service Delivery, Planning and Evaluation

In the UK, there has been a re-awakening of interest in the ʹco-productionʹ approach to involve service users in modernised public services. Within this context, Sure Start Childrenʹs Centres are being created to address child poverty and social exclusion, with an emphasis on participatory approaches. This paper considers the engagement of users in service delivery, service planning and in monitoring and evaluation activities for Childrenʹs Centres in Greater Merseyside. Research findings indicate that a lack of time to implement (and develop trust within) the new arrangements, a lack of awareness by users to participate and a broader thematic (employment and education) and geographical remit for Childrenʹs Centres is impacting upon the greater involvement of users in all aspects of co-production. Without such participation it is concluded that there is a real risk that the current needs of those most disadvantaged will not be adequately addressed.