3.1 Identify prospective stakeholders and networks relevant to own organisation and service

This. guide will help you answer3.1 Identify prospective stakeholders and networks relevant to own organisation and service.

Every health and social care organisation works with a wide range of people, groups, and networks. Stakeholders have an interest or role in the service and can influence or be affected by what the organisation does. Recognising these stakeholders helps build partnerships, improves services, and supports successful change.

In this guide, we will cover some of the common types of stakeholders and networks found in most health and social care organisations.

People Who Use Services

The primary and most important stakeholders are the people who use the service. This group can include:

• Individuals receiving care or support
• Patients in clinical settings
• Residents in care homes
• Children or young people in children’s services

Their views, needs, and experiences shape how services are planned and delivered.

Families and Carers

Families and unpaid carers play a vital part in the lives of people who use services. Their insight, support, and feedback influence care decisions. They may:

• Attend care planning meetings
• Provide background information and history
• Advocate for those they care for

Frontline Staff

Staff members who deliver direct care are key stakeholders. Examples include:

• Support workers
• Nurses
• Care assistants
• Keyworkers
• Therapists

Their day-to-day experiences help identify what works well and what needs improvement.

Management and Leadership Teams

Managers oversee operations and set strategic direction. This group includes:

• Home or service managers
• Team leaders
• Organisational directors
• Trustees (in charities)

They influence policy, funding, and how resources are used.

Local Authorities

Local authority departments have legal responsibilities in social care. They are usually involved as:

• Commissioners (deciding who delivers services)
• Contract managers
• Safeguarding teams
• Social workers

Local authorities monitor quality, fund services, and may be involved when needs change.

NHS Partners

Links with the NHS are common in health and care settings. Key NHS stakeholders may be:

• GPs
• District nurses
• Occupational therapists
• Community health teams
• Hospital discharge teams
• Mental health professionals

Networks can include multidisciplinary teams meeting regularly to discuss shared care.

External Professionals and Agencies

Input from other professionals brings in specialist skills and knowledge. Potential stakeholders include:

• Pharmacists
• Speech and language therapists
• Dietitians
• Psychologists
• Advocacy services

These professionals may visit regularly or be involved at key points in someone’s support.

Regulatory and Inspection Bodies

Health and social care organisations are overseen by regulatory bodies to maintain quality and safety. Typical organisations are:

• Care Quality Commission (CQC)
• Ofsted (in children’s services)
• Local safeguarding boards
• Professional registration bodies (e.g. Nursing and Midwifery Council)

They set standards, carry out inspections, and investigate complaints or incidents.

Commissioners and Funders

Commissioners decide who delivers services and how funding is used. Examples:

• NHS Integrated Care Boards (ICBs)
• Local council commissioning teams
• Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs, now replaced in England by ICBs)
• Grants bodies (for charities)
• Private funders (for some providers)

They can influence what services are offered, contract terms, and performance measures.

Professional Networks and Forums

Formal and informal groups bring together people working in similar areas. Networks relevant to health and social care include:

• Local care provider forums
• Multi-agency safeguarding hubs (MASH)
• Mental health service networks
• Learning disability partnership boards
• Workforce training networks
• Forums set up around special interests (e.g. dementia care, autism support)

Organisations may benefit by sharing knowledge, best practice, and resources.

Voluntary and Community Groups

Charities, advocacy groups, and local support organisations play a big role in supporting people. Examples are:

• Carers’ support groups
• Befriending schemes
• Specialist charities (e.g. Age UK, Mind, Alzheimer’s Society)
• Faith-based support networks
• Advice agencies (e.g. Citizens Advice)

These groups can offer extra services, introduce new ideas, and support people outside formal care.

Education and Training Providers

Ongoing training is vital. Relevant stakeholders in education include:

• Colleges or universities
• Local training providers
• Workforce development leads in local authorities
• Apprenticeship and placement coordinators

Partnerships with these organisations keep staff up-to-date and support recruitment.

Suppliers and Contractors

Health and social care settings rely on a range of suppliers for goods and services. Key contacts include:

• Medical suppliers (equipment, medicines)
• Cleaning contractors
• Maintenance firms
• IT support providers

Trusted suppliers help maintain high standards and respond quickly to problems.

Advocacy and Legal Services

Independent advocacy means supporting people to have their voices heard. Stakeholders may include:

• Independent Mental Capacity Advocates (IMCAs)
• Legal professionals for disputes or complaints
• Court of Protection officers (for complex cases)

Advocacy services are essential for upholding people’s rights and choices.

Local Community

The wider local community is a relevant stakeholder. Links may include:

• Neighbouring schools or nurseries
• Local businesses
• Faith groups
• Community centres

These connections can support volunteering, integration, and awareness about the service.

Examples in Practice

Here are examples of how these stakeholder groups might link to your workplace:

• Working alongside district nurses (NHS partner) to support someone with complex health needs
• Attending local safeguarding board meetings (regulatory body)
• Holding meetings with family members to review support plans
• Responding to feedback from people who use services and using this to make improvements
• Joining a care provider network to share training and learn from others
• Meeting with local authority commissioners during contract reviews
• Offering student placements in partnership with a local college

Summary

Prospective stakeholders and networks vary depending on the type of service, but most health and social care organisations work with:

Identifying these groups is the first step to involving them in service development, improvement, and day-to-day care. Strong engagement with stakeholders and networks leads to better services, more joined-up working, and improved outcomes for everyone involved.