Co-design readiness: Organisation capability
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The Organisational Co-Design Readiness Assessment Tool was designed to evaluate an organisation's preparedness and capability to engage in effective co-design practices.
About the 'co-design capability' readiness domain
Co-design is increasingly recognised as a valuable approach in the development and delivery of programs and services in the health and community services sectors. Yet, the effectiveness of co-design depends on various factors, one of which is an organisation's co-design capability.
The 'co-design capability' domain focuses on the skills, tools, and mindset within the organisation to effectively engage in co-design. It explores the extent of internal and external resources, training needs, and the awareness of designers regarding privilege, assumptions, and emotional self-care.
'Co-design capability' readiness assessment questions
Questions to ask yourself to gauge your organisational co-design capability:
Does my organisation provide learning opportunities for staff to learn and adopt new behaviours and practices related to co-design?
Does my organisation provide resources to promote best-practice co-design approaches across the organisation?
Does my organisation have access to skilled co-design facilitators who possess advanced capabilities in engagement and facilitation?
Does my organisation and its co-design team remain conscious of their own privilege, assumptions, and biases?
Does my organisation and its co-design team have the capability to deliver culturally safe co-design sessions?
Does my organisation and its co-design team have the capability to engage deeply with lived experience folks in an empathetic and appropriate manner?
Does my organisation and its co-design team have the capability to engage with a range of professionals (e.g., front-line staff through to executives)?
Tangible ways to improve 'co-design capability' to increase your organisational readiness for co-design
If your organisation has scored low on this domain or you are looking for tips on how to improve your co-design capability to enhance the effectiveness of future co-design processes, here are some tangible examples that your organisation could commit to:
Development of co-design guidelines: create (or adopt) comprehensive guidelines that provide a clear framework for how co-design efforts should be conducted within the organisation. This can include procedures for engagement, ethical considerations, and risk assessments associated with co-design activities
Provide facilitation skills training: provide training to staff, especially those involved in co-design, on facilitation skills. Effective facilitation is crucial for managing the dynamics of co-design processes and ensuring active participation from all stakeholders involved
Awareness and mindset training: offer training on understanding and addressing privilege, assumptions, and biases. This could also include training on culturally safe engagement methods and trauma-informed practices.
Establishing a co-design capability development program: implement a program aimed at developing co-design capabilities within the organisation. This could include training on co-design methods, tools, and techniques, and could also provide opportunities for staff to engage in mock co-design sessions to gain practical experience.
Creating support structures for co-design practice: establish support structures, such as mentoring or coaching programs, peer support groups, or access to external experts for advice and guidance on co-design processes. Having a robust support system can help in addressing the challenges that may arise during co-design initiatives and ensure the emotional well-being of the co-design team.
Enhancing co-design capability isn't just about having the right tools or guidelines; it's also about investing in the skills and mindset of your team.
By implementing focused training and providing meaningful support structures, organisations can address potential roadblocks and maximise the benefits of their co-design initiatives. A well-rounded approach to building co-design capability ensures not only better project outcomes but also a more engaged and aware team.
About the Beacon Strategies organisational co-design readiness assessment tool
The Beacon Strategies Organisational Co-Design Readiness Assessment Tool is an instrument that has been designed to evaluate an organisation's preparedness and capability to engage in effective co-design practices.
The tool is based on a combination of our insights in delivering co-design work but also inspired by the work of co-design thought leaders from Australia and beyond regarding the ‘enablers’ that organisations can have in place to deliver co-design effectively. This tool focuses on key domains that are central to delivering a ‘good’ co-design process. This tool isn’t academic in any way, it has simply been constructed to give your organisation an insight into how you can give your co-design activities the best chance to succeed.
To assess your organisation's readiness for co-design and to learn more about embedding effective co-design practices, access the Beacon Strategies Organisational Co-Design Readiness Assessment Tool.
Test your organisation’s score for free at https://co-design.scoreapp.com/
For further information and resources, visit our co-design homepage. If you want to talk to us more about co-design click here to speak to our team.
