In response to feedback about our Spectrum of Participation, we have updated the graphics.
We published the Spectrum of Participation in 2021, following much discussion about the need to modernise the images used to describe involvement and co-production.
The Spectrum has been really well received and is growing in popularity as a more useful way to demonstrate how organisations can invite people with lived experience to influence decisions.
In response to feedback from people now working with the Spectrum, we have updated the original graphics:
- The text on the Spectrum is now on a white background for improved readability
- The “Inform” section, which used to be red, is now pink to avoid any negative connotations with the colour red (e.g. danger)
Knowing how useful organisations and people with lived experience are finding the graphics and descriptions, we are publishing a new paper “The Spectrum of Participation Explained – Why all involvement is not co-production- and that’s a good thing!”
This paper summarises why a new image is necessary to replace the historic ladder images so often used to describe co-production.
We invite you to use and share the updated Spectrum of Participation graphics as a useful tool. They can be found and downloaded here.
June 2025