From Engagement to Co-Production: Lived Experience and Research for Policy on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking

Author: Fatherazi, Rose; Balch, Alex; Hutchison, Kimberley; Lasonder, Jane; Dibie, Ify Susan; Asquith, Wendy; Templer, Isobel; Glasson, Olessya; Johnstone, Owain; Tecca, Victoria; Williams, Elizabeth; Alimi, Kehinde; Alimi, Taiwo & Faheem, Rozina

Abstract: Growing interest in co-production raises a number of questions for those involved in policy-oriented research, particularly in politically sensitive fields such as modern slavery and human trafficking (MSHT). These include how to appropriately involve those with lived experience, how to assess “what works” in co-production, how to build a consensus on processes, principles and how to manage risks and tensions so that co-production is effective and equitable. This article presents insights from the Modern Slavery and Human Rights Policy and Evidence Centre (PEC), a devolved funding organization which has supported independent research to build evidence and inform policymaking since 2019. The PEC has sought to incorporate people with lived experience (PWLE) and lived experience experts (LEE) in all aspects of its work as part of its wider commitment to co-production. A range of activities are analyzed around three interdependent areas of work: 1) partnership, 2) recruitment, and 3) decision-making around funding. Findings identify the benefits of a progressive, step-by-step approach, creating space to share and learn from best practice, the importance of a meaningful, non-tokenistic engagement that recognizes “epistemic exclusion,” and tensions that may exist between those participating in co-production. The discussion summarizes key lessons and implications for all those involved in research, reflecting on the significance of this for an engaged research approach. The experiences of the PEC are particularly relevant for other funders and research centers seeking to create the conditions co-production, and for research about policy to be shaped by the meaningful collaboration with those directly affected.

Keywords: Co-production, engaged research approach, governance, human trafficking, modern slavery, people with lived experience (PWLE), policymaking, public administration, public policy, lived experience engagement, lived experience experts (LEEs)