Governance for co-production

How Sociocracy Supports Co-production

Sociocracy - sometimes called dynamic self-governance - is the foundation of Equal Care’s structure and one of the key ways we embed co-production in how we work. It offers a practical way to share decision-making, ensure everyone’s voice is heard, and build organisations where power is distributed, not hoarded.

Rather than top-down command or majority rule, sociocracy is built around consent and collaboration. It’s a model of governance that fits naturally with co-production, especially in the context of social care, where listening to and acting on the experiences of those giving and receiving support is essential.

🌀 Circle Structure

Work is organised into semi-autonomous circles, each responsible for a specific domain. These circles are made up of people closest to the work, including those receiving support. This allows decisions to be made by the people directly affected by them.

🤝 Consent-based Decisions

Rather than voting, decisions are made when there are no reasoned objections. This creates space for reflection, encourages compromise, and helps build shared commitment - all essential ingredients in effective co-production.

🔗 Double-Linking

Each circle is linked to others above and below it by at least two people, ensuring strong two-way communication. This allows feedback, ideas and concerns to flow clearly through the organisation - from care teams to the board.

🪑 Role Selection by Consent

Roles are filled through a transparent, collaborative process, not top-down appointments. This means people - including those receiving support - can step into leadership positions with the full consent of their group.

🔁 Feedback Loops

Regular reviews and evaluations are built into the way decisions are made. This keeps services flexible and responsive, with changes made in real time as people’s needs or circumstances shift.

⚖️ Equivalence and Transparency

Everyone has an equal voice. Information is shared openly. Power is distributed. These principles help create a culture of trust, where people feel confident to speak, to challenge, and to contribute.

🌱 Empowerment through Structure

Sociocracy gives a framework for participation. It doesn’t rely on charismatic leaders or well-meaning professionals ‘inviting’ people in. It’s designed so that sharing power is not optional — it’s part of how the whole system works.

---

A sociocratic approach doesn’t just make co-production possible - it makes it a normal part of everyday decision-making. For social care organisations that want to truly work with the people they support, it offers a structure that helps co-production take root and grow.