Research and Social Change Residential Workshop

Co-production is increasingly used to address issues of inequality across a range of academic fields such as health, disability studies, human geography, sociology, social policy, education and psychology in order to promote social change. As an approach, it draws on innovative methods from participatory action research (PAR) and community engagement.

The course is aimed at those with little or no prior experience of co-production such as students, post-docs/ECRs, third sector employees and community activists. It provides valuable opportunities for reflecting on and enhancing your practice and supporting your CPD. The course is especially valuable if you have a project in mind. Previous summer schools have resulted in participants collaborating together on projects developed after the course ended.

Over four days, academics and non-professional researchers and activists experienced in using co-production approaches, will introduce you to the theoretical underpinnings and practical methods used in co-production. We will explore ways of overcoming barriers to co-production and ways to meaningfully engage with seldom listened to groups. Space is given to develop ideas and relationships, enhancing your personal and professional networks.

Working with other course participants, you will co-produce the design for a hypothetical project of your choosing or, alternatively, if you prefer, collaborate with other participants in developing an actual project. If you or your organisation have a specific project in mind, please contact copross@uhi.ac.uk to discuss.

Group rates available.

The course is held in the new University of the Highlands and Islands campus in Inverness, in the heart of the Highlands of Scotland and the price includes 7 nights’ accommodation (Monday 26th June to Monday 3rd July) in the newly built student quarters giving you the opportunity to explore some of the spectacular scenery in the area.

Course leader

Dr Liz Ellis

Target group

Anyone interested in using coproduction or participatory analysis for research, evaluation or service design. so you may be a graduate student, post-graduate student, academic, third sector or health and social care service worker interested in coproduction to improve the research process or service design particularly with seldom listened to and easily ignored communities

Course aim

To leave the course confident in your abilities to use coproduction and participatory approaches in a real life scenario. To do this you will learn about some of the theory of coproduction, but more critically, how to use coproduction in practice. Each year the course programme is developed with you in mind.

Credits info

Certificate of attendance

Fee info

GBP 950: Early bird rate for individuals booking before 14th April 2023. Includes accommodation from 26th June - 3rd July 2023

Rate after 14th April is £1140
GBP 1500: Early bird rate for public/third sector booking before 14th April 2023. Includes accommodation from 26th June - 3rd July 2023

Rate after 14th April is £1800

Scholarships

We are pleased to offer 3 places at reduced rates (£300 inc. VAT per person) for activists on low incomes Please email copross@uhi.ac.uk to receive an application form.

We also have group booking rates for 4+