More Than A Tick Box: Designing WITH Not For Our Stakeholders

About this event

We often hear the claim that "the patient and public voice is not loud enough" (Darzi, 2025), that people could be more involved in co-designing and co-developing how services work. But what if we stopped seeing these methods as ‘add-ons’ and more of a mindset shift—embedding authenticity and collaboration in the way we engage those who both use and work in healthcare services?

This workshop hosted by City St George’s, University of London will share real-world research and practical examples of co-design. Facilitators will guide you through tested ideas, strategies, and principles that can be applied in your own organisations, teams, and research settings. You will build skills to ‘really’ listen, see people’s capabilities and create solutions together. You will receive links to resources, guides and hands-on guidance in this highly interactive workshop.

About this session

This sessions will be facilitated by Fiona Jones, Professor of Rehabilitation Research and founder/CEO of Bridges Self-Management CIC (Bridges), an organisation founded on and creating a high quality evidence base for codesign and personalised self-management support that can be applied across healthcare services and research.

Fiona will be joined by co-facilitators with lived and learnt experience from Bridges and City St George’s, where they will:

• Explore the landscape of participatory methods, including co-design, co-production, and other “co-” approaches
• Learn how real-world projects (e.g. in long Covid and long-term conditions) have applied these principles to drive change
• Move from big ideas to practical planning—identifying priorities, engaging stakeholders, and plotting routes to impact
• Use tools like the Beyond Sticky Notes framework (McKercher, 2020) to strengthen your co-design approach
• Leave with clear, practical next steps for embedding co-design into research, improvement, or daily practice

Agenda

1:00 – 1:30
Lunch, Introductions & Networking
Arrive, connect with fellow attendees, and settle in.

1:30 – 2:00
Defining Co-design & Participatory Methods
Short presentation and group discussion to agree terms, definitions, and mindsets for meaningful stakeholder engagement.

2:00 – 2:30
Real-life Examples of Co-design
Presentations and group discussion exploring what worked, what was challenging, and what could be done differently.

2:30 – 2:40
Break

2:40 – 3:30
Small Group Work
Build stakeholder maps, identify first steps to engagement, and plan your route to impact using co-design approaches.

3:30 – 4:00
Final Reflections & Next Steps
Share learning, agree your next small steps, and continue the conversation over informal networking.

Attendees will leave the session with

• Improved understanding of how co-design is a mindset, not just a method
• Concrete strategies to engage communities and co-create meaningful solutions
• A roadmap for embedding participatory approaches into your own research, service improvement, or everyday practice
• New connections with peers and experts committed to inclusive and collaborative ways of working

About South West London Research Support Network

The South West London (SWL) Research Support Network, established by the NHS South West London Integrated Care System, is a collaborative initiative to empower local communities and voluntary organisations to conduct their own research.

Through a series of relaxed network meetings, members can engage in mutual learning opportunities with a diverse group of researchers and community members. This informal setting encourages open dialogue and the sharing of ideas, making it easier to change insights into various research methodologies and best practices.

In addition to exchanging knowledge with experienced community members and researchers, members will also have the chance to network with peers, which can lead to the formation of collaborative relationships and partnerships that leverage the strengths and expertise of all involved.

Find out more on the South West London Research Support Network page.