Principles & Values
The importance of equality
The Importance of Equality
The second core principle for best practice is equality, this is in the sense of sharing power and partnership, ensuring all involved are treated fairly and equal in status, rights, and opportunities. It should be recognised that organisations at times cannot practice an equality-based approach in all decision-making, but only where possible, due to the previously mentioned organisational barriers and/or structures of decision-making that may need to be adhered to due to non-negotiable constraints (For example, an organisational leader may consult with lived experience advocates involved, but ultimately make the decision on the length of an engagement due to contractual funding requirements). But ultimately, equality is a guiding principle in all activities and communications for all involved. When defining the equality principle in these circumstances, the concept of ‘Substantive Equality’.[1]
Therefore, to achieve substantive equality organisations must eliminate systemic forms of discrimination and promoting awareness of the different needs of groups across all aspects of involvement. Aiming for approaches that will maximise co-design and engagement opportunities for more equal and reciprocal relationships, the sharing of roles and responsibilities, including decision making, is likely to result in positive changes and outcomes.[1] [2]
The way to follow this principle in co-design or engagement, is to confront and change the clear power differential between an organisation and people with lived experience by sharing power, knowledge, and decision-making.[3] Realising that the lived experience voice is important to all aspects of ending issues such as housing insecurity and homelessness, best practice states that lived experience advocates must have equal say in the decision making process. But, changing organisations to implement more equitable practices does not happen overnight. It is a gradual process that organisations must commit to. It requires learning, trial and error, and often a change in relationships and the culture within the organisation. [4]
Substantive Equality:
” The output or outcome of the policies, procedures, and practices in addressing and preventing systemic discrimination. It recognises that organisations must take aspects such as discrimination, marginalization, and unequal distribution into account to achieve equal results for basic human rights, opportunities, and access. While some systems and processes may externally appear as non-discriminatory, they may not be fully responsive to the needs and aspirations of different people and groups internally, and as a result can unintentionally exacerbate further inequalities.”
Research showcases that power is not something that can simply be given or made to feel. Leaders cannot just say they have shared power or because they have shared decision-making for a single or few aspects and tick the box. Sharing power must be consciousness and acted at every stage. The ability for people with lived experience to feel empowered to co-design and engage will depend on the opportunities to take on meaningful experiences of power. [5] This can only be done by shifting from the paternalistic relationship and environment of us and them, professionals and consumers, service providers and service users etc. to a united and democratic team.
This does not assume, by any means, that professional expertise and skills are not required, rather that the skills, insights and expertise of people with lived experience are needed to inform the skills of service providers. It recognises that, while professional expertise is vital, knowledge that comes from personal experience is also vital in achieving the best outcomes for all, otherwise decisions are imposed on people. Your approach must lean less on delivery and more on partnership. [6]
[1] Sercombe, J., Stubley, K., Wellington, K., Clark, K., and Flatau, P. (2019). Co-design Toolkit: Developing an Action Plan to #EndHomelessness. Centre for Social Impact, UWA.
[2] Health Consumers Council WA. 2016. ‘Principles & best practices strategies for consumer engagement in the alcohol and other drugs sector in Western Australia’
[3] Boyle, D., Slay, J., & Stephens, L. (2010). PUBLIC SERVICES INSIDE OUT: Putting co-production into practice (p. 36). London: NESTA.
[4] Clayson, A and Webb, Lucy and Cox, Nigel (2018) ‘When two worlds collide: Critical reflection on co-production. Drugs and Alcohol.’
[5] Durose, Catherine & Gains, Francesca & Richardson, Liz & Combs, Ryan & Broome, Karl & Eason, Christina. (2011). Pathways to Politics.
[6] Mental Health Commission. (2018). Working Together – Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drug – Engagement Framework. Western Australia: WA Government
