Co-design in Practice: Moving from ‘Tick Box’ to ‘Doing With’
13:00 - 16:00 | 19 May 2026 | City St George's University, Room H2.6 (2nd floor of Hunter Wing), Blackshaw Road, SW17 0QT
A practical workshop for health and care professionals, researchers, and educators, hosted by City St George’s, University of London.
About the workshop
This highly interactive session builds on the themes from the earlier Southwest London event “More than a Tick Box”. Together, we will explore the practical value of ‘doing with’—working collaboratively with communities to develop ideas, solutions, and research that people genuinely trust and support.
Participants will learn practical approaches that can be applied immediately in clinical services, organisational development, quality improvement, and research programmes.
What you will learn
- How to apply co‑design methods that promote genuine partnership working
- Practical skills, including listening longer, starting with a blank sheet, and first‑principle questioning
- Strategies for building trust and strengthening relationships with communities
- How to use a coach–creator–challenger model in your everyday work
- How to turn insights into a clear, personalised action plan
What to expect
- Facilitated small‑group exercises
- Real examples and case studies
- Guided stages of co‑design you can replicate
- Time to think, reflect, and plan your next steps
- Access to practical tools, guides, and further resources
- Networking over light refreshments and lunch
Who should attend
Health and care professionals, service leads, researchers, educators, community partners, and anyone aiming to embed meaningful co‑design into their work.
Facilitators
Professor Fiona Jones
Professor of Rehabilitation Research and Founder/CEO of Bridges Self‑Management CIC, recognised for pioneering evidence‑based approaches to co‑design and personalised self‑management support across health and care.
Fiona will be joined by colleagues from Bridges and City St George’s with lived and learned experience of co‑design.
Take away
By the end of the workshop, you will leave with:
- Increased confidence to be a coach, creator, and challenger to build ideas, grow capacity and empowerment
- Your own clear, practical action plan
- Knowledge of co‑design methods you can immediately apply
- Access to digital resources and tools
About South West London Research Support Network
The South West London (SWL) Research Support Network, established by the NHS South West London Integrated Care System, is a collaborative initiative to empower local communities and voluntary organisations to conduct their own research.
Through a series of relaxed network meetings, members can engage in mutual learning opportunities with a diverse group of researchers and community members. This informal setting encourages open dialogue and the sharing of ideas, making it easier to change insights into various research methodologies and best practices.
In addition to exchanging knowledge with experienced community members and researchers, members will also have the chance to network with peers, which can lead to the formation of collaborative relationships and partnerships, that leverage the strengths and expertise of all involved.
Find out more on the South West London Research Support Network page.
