Not the usual suspects: creating the conditions for and implementing co-production with marginalised young people in Glasgow

Cullingworth, J. , Brunner, R. and Watson, N. (2022) Not the usual suspects: creating the conditions for and implementing co-production with marginalised young people in Glasgow. Public Policy and Administration, (doi: 10.1177/09520767221140439) (Early Online Publication)

Abstract

Co-production is now an established part of public service delivery. Despite its popularity, there is only a limited understanding about how co-production works in practice, particularly with marginalised groups. This paper identifies and explores insights from three case studies of a successful co-productive approach in Glasgow, Scotland. Operation Modulus is a criminal justice initiative involving public and third sector partners in the co-production of services with marginalised young people to reduce their involvement in crime and antisocial behaviour. The data highlighted the importance of leadership, the role of public service professionals and the process of working with marginalised young people; these are explored, all within the context of the authorising environment created at the level of a collaborative governance body. The findings underscore, first, the importance of distributed leadership and process in developing trust amongst partners and in turn in the relationships of partners with young people. Second, the essential role of effective co-management amongst service providers in creating the requisite conditions for meaningful co-production with marginalised citizens. Third, the potential for and importance of shared management to facilitate changes in professional relationships and ways of working, even if these do not lead to organisational systems change. Fourth, the significance of public service professionals having the authority and agency to explore collaborative ways of working.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Early Online Publication
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Watson, Professor Nicholas and Brunner, Dr Richard and Cullingworth, Dr Jane
• Authors: Cullingworth, J., Brunner, R., and Watson, N.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Sociology Anthropology and Applied Social Sciences; College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Urban Studies
• Journal Name: Public Policy and Administration
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• ISSN: 0952-0767
• ISSN (Online): 1749-4192
• Published Online: 21 November 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Public Policy and Administration 2022
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
190851		What Works Scotland	Nicholas Watson	Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)	ES/M003922/1	S&PS - Institute of Health & Wellbeing (Social Sciences)