1. The importance of having a stakeholder communications strategy Please turn your PC’s sound on to listen to this presentation (as sounds are embedded)

2. What is a stakeholder communications strategy? It’s a tool to achieve elements of your business plan It clarifies how you use communications as a means of getting to where you want to be as an organisation

3. How does it differ to your business plan? A business plan clarifies what you want to achieve organisationally. A stakeholder communications strategy is “what messages you are promoting” to help you deliver your business plan.

4. Why do you need a stakeholder communications strategy? To build success and your reputation by: Making your stakeholders feel looked after Showing that you understand and respond to their hopes and concerns Demonstrating that you can help them meet their own objectives

5. Remember… failing to prepare is preparing to fail!

6. Case study Currently many local authorities are reviewing their funding of advice agencies, as they are having to make budget cuts. This is being done, often at very short notice, and advice agencies are having to respond quickly.

7. Reactive or fire fighting Already at a disadvantage Unlikely to be aware of views of other local advice agencies Communication with Local Authority is limited Poorly prepared to demonstrate their value The result? More likely to find their funding cut or ended.

8. Proactive planning Better placed to respond More likely to be given advance warning Understand who allies are and possibly already working in partnership Local Authority staff and/or elected members are aware of services The result? More likely to avoid being adversely affected by the funding review.

9. What next? Firstly, DON’T panic! –In the rest of this section, you will find information on: How to identify and prioritise your stakeholders; How to write a stakeholder communications strategy; and Hints and tips of how to make it work.

10. What next? Secondly, the rest of the pack will help you too. The sections are: –Building and maintaining relationships with different audiences; –Examples of best practice in stakeholder communications; and –Multi-media content.