ABSTRACT

An engagement strategy should engender trust in the organisation and its representatives. The organisation's engagement programme was limited, focusing almost entirely on a few officials in Whitehall and on briefing the odd supporter of nuclear in the House of Lords. The leadership of an organisation must want to carry out strategic stakeholder engagement, and this requires an understanding of the context in which it is operating, its ambition in this area, the organisation and resources needed, and what would constitute success. The leadership of the organisation and executive team need to be fully involved in the engagement programme, and by doing so enhance the credibility of the organisation's narrative. Strong political intelligence is important – the organisation should use external advice to support the engagement programme, particularly those with experience in the areas of interest. Successful organisations in stakeholder engagement are particularly well-organised internally.