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Equal exchange of ideas: from conversation to collaboration
In this episode of "Gerrin' On Wi' It", host Lauren Cox speaks with Rich Crisp from Sheffield Hallam University and TJ Clark from the Yorkshire Policy Innovation Partnership (YPIP) Community Panel about how a single conversation led to a collaborative research project exploring an often-overlooked part of the adult social care system.
Together, Rich and TJ discuss personal budgets, personal assistants (PAs), and the unique employer-employee relationships that emerge when people employ their own care. They share why this area has been largely invisible in policy and research, how lived experience reshaped the design of the study, and what a genuine co-design approach looks like in practice.
The conversation explores inclusive employment, ethical and innovative research methods, and the value of bringing researchers and community members together as equal partners. Rich and TJ reflect on the trust, curiosity and mutual respect that have underpinned their collaboration, and discuss what other researchers can learn about putting co-production at the heart of their work.
This episode was recorded on 23 June 2026. If you would like to get in touch, please contact contact@y-pern.org.uk. A transcript of this episode is available. Y-PERN is funded by the UKRI’s Research England Development (RED) Fund; YPIP is funded by the UKRI’s Economic and Social Research Council.
About the speakers:
TJ Clark (they/them) is a member of the YPIP panel and a former Hull Poverty Truth community commissioner. They are a Tier 2 Oliver McGowan Co-trainer and part of a team working on the local Hull Autism Strategy. TJ also volunteers as a member of the steering group for a local trans and non-binary peer support group.
Rich Crisp is a researcher at Sheffield Hallam University where he works with local government and the voluntary sector to explore ways of creating more inclusive and sustainable communities. He is the lead for YPIP on a package of work that explores what good work means and how we can improve job quality in the local economy, with a particular focus on the adult social care sector.
At time of recording, Lauren was the Communications and Engagement Manager for The Yorkshire Policy Innovation Partnership (YPIP). She has over 5 years of experience working with the voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector across Luton and Bedfordshire in roles with the local authority and within a criminal justice charity. Lauren’s career has been centred around collaboration and partnerships and facilitating spaces and environments for voices to be heard. In July 2026, Lauren joined Leeds Institute for Societal Futures in July 2026 as the External Engagement Manager.
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