4.1 Describe principles of personalisation and co-production in relation to supporting individuals to access and engage in education, training and employment

This guide will help you answer 4.1 Describe principles of personalisation and co-production in relation to supporting individuals to access and engage in education, training and employment.

Personalisation is about shaping support around the needs, wishes and strengths of each person. It means the care and support given is based on what matters to the individual, rather than applying a standard approach for everyone. In relation to accessing education, training and employment, personalisation allows the person to have more choice and control over the direction of their life.

Personalisation focuses on recognising that each person has their own goals, preferences and circumstances. It involves adapting support to match these, so the person is more likely to succeed and feel confident to engage in opportunities.

When helping a person access education, training or employment, personalisation can involve:

• Discussing what subjects, roles or training interest them
• Talking about their preferred learning methods and environment
• Considering their pace and support needs
• Looking at previous experience and achievements
• Understanding any barriers, such as health, mobility, or personal responsibilities

Personalisation is an approach that values the individual’s voice. It encourages them to be part of all decisions made about their education, training or work plans.

Principles of Co-production in Health and Social Care

Co-production means working together equally. In this context, it is when the worker and the individual share decisions and take joint responsibility for planning and achieving goals. The person is not simply a recipient of services but is an active partner.

In supporting someone to engage in education, training or employment, co-production is about recognising their lived experience as valuable. A professional may have technical knowledge, but the individual has personal insight into what works best for them and what challenges they face.

Key features of co-production include:

• Equal partnership between the person and the worker
• Respect for the ideas and opinions of the individual
• Joint planning and problem-solving
• Agreement on next steps that reflect both perspectives
• Checking progress together and making changes as needed

With co-production, both sides contribute ideas and actions. This builds trust and often leads to plans that are realistic and achievable.

Linking Personalisation to Education, Training and Employment

Applying personalisation in this area means recognising that each person’s learning or employment goals will be different. Support can be shaped to help them move towards these aspirations without forcing them into choices they did not make.

For example:

• A young adult may want to take a part-time course while caring for children. Personalisation means building a timetable that respects this.
• An older person returning to work after illness may prefer online training in their own home. This could reduce travel stress and support their recovery.
• Someone with learning differences may need training materials in easy-read format.

Personalisation creates a higher level of motivation because the activities feel relevant and connected to the person’s real aims.

Linking Co-production to Education, Training and Employment

Co-production makes the process more interactive. Together, the worker and the individual can research different education providers, visit training centres, or attend open days. They can share thoughts on what feels right and explore practical solutions to any challenges.

Examples of co-production in action:

• Planning an employment pathway by setting short-term goals together
• Creating a shared action plan with tasks for both the worker and the individual
• Evaluating progress jointly after a training session or job interview
• Making decisions about changes to support and timing without one side dominating the process

The shared decision-making approach builds confidence. People often feel greater commitment to plans they helped design.

Benefits of Personalisation in This Context

Personalisation offers several benefits when supporting access to education, training and employment.

• Increased motivation and participation
• Improved self-confidence through decision-making power
• Greater sense of ownership over learning and career goals
• More effective use of resources to meet true needs

By focusing on what matters to the person, personalisation often leads to better results and satisfaction. People feel respected and heard. This can reduce the dropout rate from courses or jobs because the plans were based on individual circumstances.

Benefits of Co-production in This Context

When people are involved in shaping their education or employment plans, they are more likely to follow through. Working with them as equals leads to:

• Stronger relationships between workers and individuals
• Practical solutions to barriers because both sides contribute ideas
• Better understanding of realistic goals
• A shared sense of responsibility

Co-production can also help workers learn from individuals’ experiences, which may improve support for others.

How Personalisation Works in Practice

The process usually starts with a conversation. This is often called a needs assessment or support planning session. The questions asked focus on the person’s interests, skills, challenges and ambitions.

Steps include:

• Listening to the person explain what they want to achieve
• Asking open questions to gather details
• Writing down their choices and preferences
• Identifying any extra support they might need
• Putting together a flexible plan that suits them

Follow-up is important. Personalised plans should be reviewed often so they can be updated if the person’s situation or goals change.

How Co-production Works in Practice

Co-production is more than consulting the person. It means they are actively involved in all stages.

This often looks like:

• Joint brainstorming of possible courses or job roles
• Agreeing actions both the worker and the person will take
• Making decisions together about training location, timing or format
• Reviewing progress and adjusting plans jointly

It works well when there is open communication, mutual respect and a clear understanding that both sides have equal value in the process.

Overcoming Barriers Through Personalisation and Co-production

Barriers may include health issues, caring duties, transport problems, lack of confidence or previous negative experiences in education or work.

Personalisation helps by shaping plans that fit around these issues. Co-production helps by tackling problems together and finding solutions both sides agree on.

Examples:

• Using remote learning platforms for someone living in a rural area with limited transport options
• Setting realistic job search targets for someone recovering from illness
• Choosing training with flexible start times for a single parent

The Role of the Worker

In personalisation, the worker’s role is to listen carefully and adapt support to match needs and preferences. They act as a guide rather than controlling the process.

In co-production, their role is to work alongside the individual as an equal partner. They contribute technical knowledge and practical advice, while respecting the person’s ideas and choices.

This requires strong communication skills and a willingness to share decision-making power.

Supporting Self-Advocacy

Both personalisation and co-production help people develop self-advocacy skills. This means they can speak up for their needs and preferences more confidently.

For example, someone who has been part of co-production meetings may be better prepared to explain their requirements to an employer or training provider.

Self-advocacy increases independence and long-term success in education, training or work.

Safeguarding within Personalisation and Co-production

Safeguarding means protecting individuals from harm. When working in a personalised and co-productive way, safeguarding remains important.

The worker must balance respect for the person’s choices with awareness of any risks. They should raise concerns appropriately, following organisational and legal procedures, while keeping the person informed.

This helps maintain safety without removing control from the individual.

Measuring Success

Progress in education, training and employment can be measured in different ways. Personalisation means choosing measures that fit the person’s goals. For some, success may be completing a short course. For others, it may be finding and keeping work.

Co-production supports ongoing evaluation. Both sides can discuss what is working and what needs to change. This keeps plans relevant and effective.

Final Thoughts

Supporting individuals to access and engage in education, training and employment through personalisation and co-production makes the process more human. It respects the person’s voice and life experience, and it strengthens their ability to achieve their goals.

Personalisation gives people control over what happens in their lives. Co-production shares responsibility and decision-making, creating a genuine partnership. When combined, they build trust, increase motivation and lead to better outcomes that reflect what the person truly wants.