Engaging with stakeholders

Here are some key resources designed to help NHS boards, integration authorities, and local councils effectively involve patients, carers, and the public in planning and shaping local services.

Identifying and understanding stakeholders - Identifying stakeholders beyond your project group helps you understand the needs of services, staff, people with lived experience, and third sector partners. Engaging a diverse range of voices ensures inclusive decision-making and empowers those with co-occurring needs to shape the support they receive.

Stakeholder list template - It may be useful to create a simple list of your stakeholders. This can help you keep all the contacts in a single place. As well as being a starting point for further stakeholder mapping.

Communication and engagement planning - A communication and engagement plan describes who you need to engage with as part of your work and how and when you will do this.

Communication and engagement plan template - Download an example template for your communication and engagement plan

Engaging people and communities: step by step - This tool guides you through planning meaningful engagement with people and communities. It includes key questions to help you consider important issues and ensure your approach is inclusive and effective from the start

Engaging with communities and groups - This tool helps you identify and address barriers that may prevent specific communities or groups from participating in engagement activities. It supports planning that is inclusive, responsive to people’s needs, and tailored to different demographics

Participation Toolkit - This toolkit offers a selection of practical tools, guidance, and resources to support the planning and delivery of effective community engagement activities.

Check out the Service Change Resources for more Community Engagement guidance and resources.