Stoke-on-Trent Community of Practice
Stoke-on-Trent Community of Practice
What is a Community of Practice?
The concept of a Community of Practice (CoP) was introduced by cognitive anthropologists Jean Lave and Etienne Wenger in the early 1990s.
CoPs are defined by 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.
Where resources are limited and challenges are complex, CoPs provide a collaborative, cross organisational space for knowledge sharing and co-creating solutions. Unlike formal training or hierarchical structures, they are informal and driven by a commitment to shared learning.
Why does Stoke-on-Trent adult health and social care need a CoP?
Stoke-on-Trent faces complex challenges in adult health and social care. Building on the city’s strong history of partnership working, a Community of Practice offers a way to bring together professionals, people with lived experience, and community partners to share learning, build trust, and co-produce better ways of working. A CoP can help to break down silos, spread positive practice, and encourage joined-up support for local people.
How do I join?
The Stoke-on-Trent Community of Practice (SoTCoP) takes place every month and is hosted by Expert Citizens and the Changing Futures Programme.
If you would like to know more about the SoTCoP contact the CoP secretary Sophia: sophia.insight@expertcitizens.org.uk
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