Reflections on learning, challenges, and shifts in organisational thinking as a result of anti-racism work

In this blog Stuart, a member of our community, reflects on his experiences of being involved in our anti-racism work.

Being involved in the anti-racism work at the Co-Production Collective has felt both affirming and transformative. As a Black lived experience leader, I have often experienced spaces where equality is discussed conceptually, but not always embedded in practice. The difference here is the intention at Co Production Collective,  anti-racism isn’t treated as an extra or a one-off effort, it’s built into how we think about co-production, power, and whose knowledge matters.

Challenges in anti-racism spaces

For me, the work has created space to bring my whole self; my professional background in health and care systems, my lived experience of navigating services, and my identity as a Black man. That integration matters. It means my reflections are not just heard, but actively shape decisions, priorities, and strategy. Being part of the Collective has shown me what it looks like when lived experience and racial identity are recognised as expertise.

One of the key learnings has been how deeply racism can show up in subtle, structural ways within co-production spaces for example:

• Those that feel confident to speak
• Contributions of people and how they are not validated
• How power is not evenly distributed

Naming this openly has sometimes been uncomfortable, but necessary. The willingness of the organisation to sit with that discomfort, listen, and change has felt significant. I’ve seen a shift from awareness to action from conversations about inclusion to developing tangible strategies, safety guidance, and accountability measures that aim to reduce harm and redistribute power.

The challenges have also been clear. Anti-racism requires time, trust, and ongoing commitment. It asks people and organisations to unlearn long-held assumptions and to be honest about where inequities persist. That work cannot be rushed. However, what gives me hope is the Collective’s approach of grounding everything in relationships, care, and community.

Why anti-racism is essential to sharing power

Overall, being involved has strengthened my belief that co-production and anti-racism are inseparable. If we are serious about sharing power and valuing lived experience, then we must also actively challenge the systems that marginalise racialised voices. It feels like we are building something that not only responds to inequality, but reimagines how we work together in ways that are more just, compassionate, and human.

About Stuart

Stuart brings over five years of project management experience across lived experience research and national co-production initiatives. He is committed to ensuring that service users are meaningfully involved in the co-design and co-delivery of services and strategies that shape their lives. Stuart is also a member of our Co-Production Collective community and actively contributes to a variety of our projects.

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Photo by Tomáš Malík on Unsplash