For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people it is the cultural expectation that a level of trust and shared understanding is developed between all parties before co-design ‘business’ starts.
If key relationships are not in place when a project is conceived, there will be no means for community voices to guide the nature and approach to the project.
Co-design relationships are established through mutual recognition of agreed outcomes that are developed in consideration of all stakeholders’ opinions and views. Establishing relationships based on agreed outcomes ensures the relationship is measurable and demonstrable from the perspective of all parties.
To confirm your mutual outcomes, talk openly about what is driving your interest in the policy, program or service and how this aligns with community needs and expectations.
The need to build relationships first and plan second may not align with usual funding cycles and project timelines. Unlike other ways of working, co-design activities are not always linear and are likely to require a greater degree of flexibility and openness to changing direction, pausing and reframing. Challenge your perceptions of project planning and project management, and come to the table without pre-formed ideas or a pre-determined agenda.
Co-design tips:
- Start talking with community stakeholders and building relationships before starting to develop a new policy, program or service.
- Take steps to actively shift dynamics so that community and the organisations that represent them are in the driving seat.
- Develop and sustain two-way communication using culturally acceptable channels. Allow time for ideas and concepts to be considered and discussed by and with community.
- Talk about and agree how ideas will be discussed, decisions made, and formalise conflict resolution protocols to manage disagreement.
- Be open about what aspects of funding or decision making cannot be changed and talk about what this means for planning, working together and making decisions.
“Underpinning that is the respect for relationships and trust and listening to and taking the lead from the First Nations peoples and those involved, rather than just saying, ‘well, okay, I’ve sought ethical approval’ or ‘I’ve ticked these boxes.’ That’s really respecting me, the sort of fabric that should underpin all of that.”
Focus group participant
Anderson K et al. Development of Key Principles and Best Practices for Co-Design in Health with First Nations Australians. IJERPH 2022; 20(1):147
