Regional Award for Active Pathways’ inclusive approach to shaping care and culture
Active Pathways, a local provider of specialist mental health and complex care services is celebrating success at the Great British Care Awards, where the organisation won the Co-Production Award at the North West regional finals.
The award recognises Active Pathways’ inclusive approach to involving both the people it supports and its staff in shaping how services are designed, delivered and developed. This approach - known as co-production - ensures that everyone has a voice in the decisions that affect them and that care and culture are built collaboratively, not top-down.
One of the most significant developments has been the introduction of service-user involvement in recruitment, with residents now taking part in interviews and contributing equally to final hiring decisions. This ensures that new colleagues are chosen not only for their skills and values but also with the agreement of those they will support.
Co-production has also guided the development of Active Pathways’ Strategic Pillars, which define how the organisation operates. Staff and service users worked together through consultation and workshops to shape these foundations, ensuring they reflect real experiences and priorities across all services.
Within each home, teams have also co-created Team Charters - setting out how colleagues will work together, communicate and uphold mutual respect. These sessions have strengthened relationships, supported open dialogue and ensured that everyone feels ownership of the culture they help to build.
Syd Coombes, Managing Director of Active Pathways, said: “This award is a fantastic recognition of the collaboration that sits at the heart of Active Pathways. Co-production isn’t a one-off initiative. It is how we work every day. When people we support and our staff are genuinely involved in shaping how we work, the result is more inclusive, responsive and empowering care.”
The Great British Care Awards celebrate excellence across the social care sector, recognising individuals and organisations that demonstrate innovation, compassion and outstanding practice. Regional winners will go on to represent their areas at the national finals in 2026.