Yesterday in London we held the first ever City of Sanctuary Co-production Conference. The day was attended by representatives from local government, partner organisations, Sanctuary Awarded institututions, and Sanctuary Ambassadors, all united by a shared commitment to meaningful collaboration.
Partner organisations including Breaking Barriers, Helen Bamber Foundation, Refugee Council, British Red Cross, Sophie Hayes Foundation, and IRC contributed to rich discussions around how we can move from working for people seeking sanctuary to working with people as equal partners.
The conference explored the fundamental principles of co-production—the practice of creating services and making decisions together with those who use them, rather than imposing solutions upon them.
A powerful message resonated throughout the day: co-production is not a fixed destination but a journey that manifests differently across organisations and contexts. Some participants shared how they’ve developed co-produced policies that guide their entire approach, while others focused on specific co-produced projects that address particular needs or opportunities.
The conference featured focused workshops addressing four critical aspects of co-production:
Recognition
Participants debated effective ways to provide both financial and non-financial recognition to people for their contributions, considering how different approaches impact motivation and engagement – and how to best navigate recognition while being mindful of individuals’ immigration status and financial situations, including those receiving Home Office support or benefits. While financial compensation for people’ time and expertise is necessary and important, many participants emphasised that recognition as equals and non-financial acknowledgment can be almost equally valuable.
Training and Confidence Building
The training workshop explored successful strategies for building confidence among Sanctuary Ambassadors and other experts by experience. Attendees shared various induction and training approaches, with particular focus on how these programmes can themselves be co-designed to better meet people’s needs. Cultural relevance and accessibility emerged as key considerations in developing effective training.
Recruitment
Discussions around recruitment examined the criteria organisations use when selecting ambassadors for specific co-production projects, particularly those at strategic levels. Participants shared challenges and successes in including seldom-heard voices and ensuring diverse representation. Methods for effectively matching people with projects aligned to their skills and interests generated practical ideas for all attendees.
Organisational Capacity Building
The final workshop tackled the crucial questions of sustainability and integration. How can organisations ensure they have ongoing capacity for meaningful co-production? What systems need to be in place to incorporate lived experience input at every organisational level? Participants also explored creating pathways to paid roles and trustee positions for sanctuary ambassadors engaged in co-production work.
Moving Forward Together
As the conference concluded, there was a palpable sense that the migrant rights sector is at an important inflection point. The shift from consultation to true co-production represents not just a change in methodology but a fundamental realignment of power and recognition of expertise.
The day demonstrated that when organisations commit to authentic co-production, both services and the people they support benefit immensely. While challenges remain in implementing co-production consistently and meaningfully, the energy and commitment displayed by all attendees suggest that the sector is increasingly embracing this transformative approach.
The City of Sanctuary Co-production Conference has planted seeds that will hopefully grow into more equitable, effective, and empowering practices across the sector. The journey continues, but yesterday’s gathering showed just how far we’ve already come.