Participation framework: Involving people with lived and learnt experience offers a concise yet thought-provoking overview of how meaningful participation can transform commissioning in health and social care. It defines participation as a spectrum ranging from consultation to co-production and community-led decision-making, supported by practical models such as the participatory cube and ladder of participation. The framework highlights the essential contribution of people with lived and learnt experience in shaping more effective, equitable and legitimate services. It critiques traditional commissioning approaches for marginalising these perspectives and prioritising policy-driven metrics over human experience. Drawing on appreciative inquiry, it proposes a strengths-based, collaborative model that enables both continuous improvement and system-wide change. Overall, it advocates a shift towards participatory cultures, ethical engagement and long-term collaboration to deliver more responsive, relationally-ce
