Case Study - Working with public contributors to develop Council strategies
Background
The Public Health Team at Bradford Council are developing a new Infant and Early Years Feeding Strategy, and wanted to create something that truly reflects the needs and experiences of local families. Recognising the importance of community voices, the Public Health team partnered with the Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) to explore ways to co-produce the strategy and embed community involvement into the development process by working with public contributors.
This was the first time that public contributors, led by the Public Health team, were to be integrated into a project. The Public Health team was able to build on the HDRC’s established model of Public Consultation, already in place within Bradford Council, and the evidence base for meaningful public involvement. A business case was presented to secure approval and funding, but timelines were tight ahead of the project’s start date. Following approval, additional challenges emerged, requiring robust evidence to demonstrate value for money.
The HDRC solution
HDRC Bradford were able to provide the following to the Public Health Team:
- Evidence and Documentation: Templates, NIHR references, and a proven working model to strengthen the business case.
- Recruitment Infrastructure: Role descriptions, language guidance, and selection processes tailored for community engagement.
- Networks and Connections: Access to HDRC’s established networks enabled successful recruitment of three public contributors.
Impact
HDRC were able to support the development of the business case, strategy design and research practice by providing the necessary guidance and best practice model of working with public contributors within a local authority setting, as well as the necessary infrastructure for selection and remuneration to the role. The HDRC supported the team in creating the infrastructure and method for selecting three public contributors. These public contributors will be consulted to inform the development and delivery of the new infant and early years feeding strategy by sharing their lived experiences and also by carrying out research and insight gathering with the community. This will ensure, alongside other means, that the strategy is co-produced so that its implementation is effective. The public contributors will also provide feedback to the community on the strategy's launch and support its delivery.
This work has also built capacity within the Public Health Team as staff have been guided through the whole cycle of selecting and managing public contributors. This has led to the team gaining new skills in co-production and leadership. The support of HDRC saved significant staff time, enabling rapid progress under tight deadlines.
Unintended benefits
The role of public contributors for this piece of work has evolved into that of community researchers, deepening meaningful engagement and reflective practice. Staff fed back that this experience has opened knowledge and understanding of new career pathways in co-production for themselves.
Could it have happened without HDRC?
No! HDRC’s expertise and resources were critical in overcoming leadership challenges, securing funding and delivering the project on time.
Looking ahead
The Public Health Team now aims to determine if they can scale this approach across initiatives, embedding this type of co-production in other projects.