Ownership for co-production

Why ownership matters

At Equal Care, we’ve chosen a multi-stakeholder co-operative model: one where the people who give and receive support, as well as family members, volunteers and workers, can all become members and co-owners.

This isn’t just a nice idea. It’s a structural commitment to co-production.

When ownership is shared, so is decision-making. And when people who receive support help to shape the organisation - not just through feedback, but through governance and participation - co-production becomes part of the foundation, not an add-on.

🗳 Inclusive governance

Each member of a multi-stakeholder co-op has a voice and, crucially, a vote. That means people receiving care and support are not only listened to, but are part of the decisions that shape the organisation and the services it provides.

🤝 Shared accountability

With multiple groups holding ownership - including those receiving support - accountability is collective. This leads to a culture of mutual responsibility and a shared commitment to quality.

📣 Participation with power

Being a co-owner gives people real influence. It’s one thing to be consulted, it’s another to be a voting member with a say in how things are run! Ownership helps shift relationships from transactional to collaborative.

🔁 Shared resources, shared sustainability

When ownership is distributed, so are contributions. Whether it’s time, knowledge, experience or funding, pooling resources from many stakeholders supports long-term sustainability and encourages innovation.

🧵 Better communication, deeper collaboration

Co-operative ownership strengthens communication between different groups: whether workers, people receiving support or others involved in care. Open structures and shared goals make it easier to collaborate and adjust services together.

🔄 Mutual benefit and reciprocity

In a multi-stakeholder co-op, everyone contributes, and everyone gains. Whether it's through better support, meaningful involvement, or stronger relationships, the benefits of co-production are shared. This spirit of mutuality builds trust and reinforces the sense of working together, not just for someone, but with each other.

🎯 Services that reflect what matters

When people receiving support are also co-owners, services are more likely to reflect real preferences and needs. The feedback loop is built in. Services evolve because the people most affected by them are part of the decision-making process.

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A multi-stakeholder co-op structure doesn’t guarantee co-production - but it creates the conditions for it to thrive. By giving everyone a seat at the table, it turns shared values into shared power.