Community and Spaces
We nurture communities strengthened by trust, empathy and belonging. We create intentional spaces for connection, equity, healing and shared purpose.
Out Loud and Amplify
We work out loud as we go, sharing learning, amplifying ideas, issues and voices, and recognising those who have helped and inspired us.
Difference and Democracy
We actively seek different perspectives, experiences and ideas. We borrow learning from everywhere and create opportunities for shared, transparent and democratic decision-making.
Make it real
We create surprising, simple and social spaces between formal structures and informal communities. We test ideas, learn by doing, spread what works and learn from what doesn’t.
Generosity and Kindness
We share what we have generously and create cultures of care, trust and reciprocity. We remember to be kind to ourselves and others.
Fair Exchange
We create respectful and balanced relationships where everyone’s contribution is recognised, valued and acted upon. This means removing barriers to participation, sharing power, valuing lived experience alongside professional expertise, and ensuring people are fairly rewarded for their time, knowledge and insight.
Fair Exchange Statement
We are committed to ensuring there is a fair exchange in all co-production and co-design work.
Fair exchange means creating a respectful and balanced relationship between formal systems (such as public services, research institutions, or policy bodies) and the people whose lived experiences offer valuable insights. It is about recognising that everyone brings something important to the table, whether professional knowledge or personal experience, and ensuring that all contributions are valued equally.
To achieve fair exchange, we must first remove barriers to participation. This includes making sure meetings are held at accessible times and locations, providing support such as transport or childcare where needed, and using clear, jargon-free language. It also means recognising and addressing power imbalances so that people feel safe, respected and confident in sharing their views.
Fair exchange also involves valuing all forms of expertise. Lived experience is just as important as academic or professional knowledge. People should be paid fairly for their time, expertise and insights, not simply thanked or offered token gestures. As an organisation, we are committed to paying at least the Real Living Wage and ensuring that people are appropriately remunerated for the value they bring. This demonstrates that their contribution is not only welcome but essential.
As a supporter of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter, we are committed to promoting good employment practices, including fair pay, secure work, employee wellbeing, engagement and opportunities for development. These principles underpin our approach to co-production and co-design and reinforce our commitment to fairness, inclusion and respect.
In practice, fair exchange may include co-designing services with community members, offering training and support to enable meaningful participation, and ensuring that feedback is acted upon and shared transparently. It is about building trust and long-term relationships rather than conducting one-off consultations. By embedding fair exchange in everything we do, we can create more inclusive, effective and equitable services and systems.