Speaker
Description
This presentation offers a critical perspective on theories and practices of coproduction in community sport research partnerships. Coproduction commonly refers to the involvement of end-users in design and delivery decisions with the promise of improved quality of services but there is no single agreed definition or theoretical perspective. I discuss the problem and limits of a one-way consultation from service deliverer to service user in coproduction approaches which destroys the potential for meaningful collaboration, emancipation and transformation. I explore approaches which adopt more creative, participatory practices and go beyond consultation to facilitate the sharing of experiences and ideas and focus on maintaining transparent, honest and mutual exchanges of information. This necessarily involves the development of intricate relationships between partners, recognition of diverse, experiences and expertise and being mindful of the complex dynamics of power, negotiation and meaning that operate in this type of coproduction work. I critically explore these issues using examples from a range of community sport for health projects designed, delivered and evaluated at Brunel University London over the past 10 years.
