Supporting more of a research culture in adult social care
Project Background
This project aims to improve adult social care in Derbyshire by shifting to a culture of co-production with citizen and practice leadership at the forefront of design and delivery.
We want to build on current co-production approaches to develop a participatory, research-led culture that uses evidence to inform strategic thinking and continuous improvement in adult social care. The host organisations supporting this project is Derbyshire County Council.
Meet Our Demonstrators: Marion Oveson & Gordon Waigand

I am a Social Worker with a background in Adult Social Care, specialising in learning disabilities, transition services, and provision for older adults. For most of my 30-year career, I have held senior management positions within public services. Based in Derbyshire, I am originally from Germany and have lived in the UK for the past 30 years. More recently, I have worked as a consultant with local authorities, supporting the development of their adult social care departments.
– Gordon Waigand

Hello! I’m French-American and have lived in Sheffield since 2010. I’m an academic researcher by training and have a background in community development, as well as facilitation, co-production, and evaluation consultancy. My academic and consultancy work has involved working with, in, and between communities, the 3rd sector, and HE. In my last project I helped to co-design, pilot, and evaluate a training course for health and social care practitioners supporting migrant communities.
– Marion Oveson