Community action plan could form blueprint for future co-production

An action plan created in partnership with a community affected by civil unrest could form the basis of future initiatives, a report concludes.

Academics at Cardiff University followed the co-production of the Ely and Caerau Development Plan, which involved professionals working “in genuine partnership with the people of Ely and Caerau”.

Developed in response to the civil unrest that happened in May 2023, the finished plan comprised of 40 actions to help the community in its long-term recovery, all of which have the support and commitment from local public services, voluntary sector organisations and residents themselves, to deliver.

Between August 2023 and May 2024, Action for Caerau and Ely (ACE) led on the development of the plan. Academics say having a local organisation involved, that had a long record of supporting communities in Ely and Caerau, was key to getting residents to engage with the process.

Professor Martin Kitchener, of Cardiff Business School, said: “Our analysis shows that developing and maintaining trust between professionals and community members is a basic initial requirement for true co-production. This was a particularly challenging task in the context of Ely and Caerau following the tragic events of 2023. In that low-trust situation, it seemed particularly important that the co-production of the plan was led by an independent body that was already established within those communities. As a local community development charity, ACE was well-placed to do that work.

“It’s unclear whether in other situations, the statutory sector would have the capacity or the specific expertise to perform that role as effectively.”

Six key skills for professionals were identified as being vital for the plan to be delivered effectively – with building and maintaining trust being the first. Being able to set boundaries; manage difficult conversations; demonstrate empathy; empower the community; and an ability to capture and present community voices were also important for effective collaboration.

Professor Kitchener added: “This case study demonstrates the need to give serious attention to training and identifying professionals with the right skills to carry out this kind of work.

“With community participants having reported high levels of satisfaction with the process in Ely and Caerau, the co-production skills identified here may provide a basis for designing future attempts to empower communities through co-production.”

Welsh Government and Cardiff Council have confirmed their commitment to see the community plan delivered for the benefit of all residents.