The concept of a Community of Practice (CoP) was first introduced in the early 1990s by cognitive anthropologists Jean Lave and Etienne Wenger. Wenger (1998) defines CoPs through three key elements:

• Domain: A shared area of interest
• Community: A group engaged in collective learning
• Practice: Knowledge, tools, and techniques developed through shared experiences

The Stoke-on-Trent Community of Practice (SoTCoP) first emerged in 2015, developed by Steve Freeman, Carl Plant, Bruno Ornelas, Sara Wilshaw, Lee Dale, Andrew Meakin, Sharon Sharman, alongside members of VOICES, Expert Citizens, and partner agencies. During this time, the group adopted the SoTCoP name and produced significant outputs such as the Care Act Toolkit  and the Prison Release Guide.

In 2024, Expert Citizens and Family Focus refined the methodology through the development of the Stoke-on-Trent Family Support Community of Practice. The core team included Natalie Ornelas, Duane Poole, Sophia Fedorowicz, Chris Lawley, Lee Dale, Andrew Meakin, Darren Murinas, Rachele Hine, Carol Healey, Family Focus staff, members of the Family Support CoP, and partner agencies. This collaboration produced the Community of Practice Guide for Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Organisations.

SoTCoP has always championed lived experience leadership where “lived experience” refers to firsthand knowledge gained through direct involvement with social issues. Incorporating people with lived experience enriches the CoP by combining theoretical understanding with real-world insights. The SoTCoP remains committed to promoting and supporting the involvement and development of individuals with lived experience of social disadvantage.