Communications and stakeholder involvement
Sometimes organisations need to consult their stakeholders on a particular proposal or decision, at other times they want to develop the on-going processes and mechanisms that they use to involve people.
Stakeholders might include your staff, people using the services you provide, people who are potential users of your services, people living in the community where you are based, local community groups, and local statutory organisations.
We use a range of approaches, employing different methods for different groups, and according to what you are trying to achieve.
Techniques we use include:
- One-to-one interviews
- Small and large group facilitation
- Events and conferences
- Surveys
- E-tools
- Written communications
We can also develop and edit a range of materials, including:
- Press releases
- Flyers and information leaflets
- Newsletters
- Consultation documents
We particularly specialise in work to engage people from groups that are often classified as ‘hard-to-reach’, such as people from black and ethnic minority groups, disabled people and people who are socially excluded.
Give me an example!
NHS in North West London: We worked with North West London Hospitals NHS Trust, Brent PCT and Harrow PCT to manage the Change for the Better discussion programme seeking the views of local people about how local health services should be delivered in the future. Activities included producing a consultation document, setting up consultation web pages, holding workshops and running a conference.
Equalities Challenge Unit (ECU): The ECU promotes equality and diversity in higher education. We worked with the ECU through telephone interviews with key stakeholders, an e-survey, and workshop with staff to develop the unit's national communications strategy.
