Service change resources
We have produced resources to help NHS boards, integration authorities and local councils effectively engage with patients, carers and the public in planning and developing local services.
Our Service Change Team can advise on using these resources and applying them to specific circumstances.
Understanding the impact of changes
This short animation explains how impact assessment fits with the wider planning informing and engagement process.
Find out moreCommunication and engagement plan template
This template will help you to plan your communication and engagement activity
Find out moreIdentifying major service change
Some questions to help NHS boards consider whether a proposed change to a service could be considered 'major'
Find out moreThe engagement process for service change
This overview guide describes the key steps in the service change process which NHS boards and Integration Joint Boards should follow to involve people and co
Find out moreUsing social media to support service change
Social media and online technology can complement traditional methods of informing, engaging and consulting people when planning and carrying out changes to health and care services
Find out moreEffective engagement
Robust planning is key to restarting community engagement when considering changes to health and care services
Find out moreTips for effective engagement
Having supported over 300 service changes we have identified our top tips for effective community engagement
Find out moreWhat is an option appraisal?
This animation explains how an option appraisal fits into the wider engagement process which NHS boards and integration joint boards are required to go through
Find out moreIdentifying and understanding stakeholders
Identifying and understanding the needs of stakeholders – and their potential interest in a topic or redesign of a service – is an essential part of effective communication and engagement.
Find out moreInvolving people in option appraisal
A guide for boards and Integration Joint Boards who are planning events to involve people in option appraisal
Find out moreEvaluating engagement in service change
Evaluation considers whether an engagement process has met its outcomes, and what difference engaging with communities has made.
Find out morePotential barriers to engagement
Understanding potential barriers to engagement can help make communication and engagement activities transparent and accessible.
Find out moreBenefits of early engagement
Staff from NHS Highland reflect on how members of the public were involved in a major service change, and how engaging people at an early stage helped to shape the final proposals
Find out moreSupporting effective engagement
To be effective, engagement with communities should involve people early, make information readily available, give people enough time to participate and explain the decision-making process.
Find out more