Building Partnerships Practical Implementation of the EDS Stakeholder Engagement

Stakeholder Engagement/Involvement 5 Practical Steps: Identifying Engaging Communicating Developing Empowering

Stakeholder Engagement Some of the do’s and don’ts Do’s Identify your local interest group Understand where your local interest group is coming from Dispel myths Listen Be Honest Focus on what you want to achieve Build Trust Don’ts Dwell on the past Presume that your local interest group knows about the EDS or indeed your organisation Patronise Do tokenism Expect your local interest group to come to you Make promises you can’t keep Alienate certain groups

Effective Stakeholder Engagement – The Benefits Good Outcomes for patients and staff Improved Patient Experience/Satisfaction Motivated/empowered staff Sense of belonging Improved quality of care Contributes to overall business success Adds value to the organisation’s operations Allows organisations to plan for the future Minimises risks Enhances opportunities Essential for solving problems.

What part can trade unions play? Early involvement Raise awareness of the EDS and its benefits with members Promote legislation Support policy development linked to priorities Support members Collective bargaining to make organisational change Provide data and analysis

What part can the voluntary sector play? Develop strong partnerships Closeness and understanding of their communities Identify local interest groups Contribute differing visions Contribute to debate, grading, action planning Put forwards innovative ideas which work Contribute to actions objectives – service provision Help engaging service uses and communities

Not being listened to – what can be done? Raise and escalate your concerns Complain Don't participate Be honest and transparent Concrete examples Restate your points Be forceful but not rude

Are Communities Really Hard to Reach? No they are not It is the NHS which is hard to reach

Involvement/Engagement – look at it like a marriage Its a Partnership for life Recognise the differences and individuality of your stakeholders You have to work hard at it Communicate.....Communicate..... It’s the quantity of quality time spent together “Me” gets everything it needs when it puts the “We” first Respect one another