1695 – Stakeholder Engagement
Assistance was provided to the University with its development of a systematic reputation and engagement
strategy: specific outputs included a map of stakeholders, an assessment of the relative strength of current
relationships, and a prioritised roadmap of both strategic and operational improvement opportunities. The
assignment has been approached in three phases, of which phases 1 and 2 are complete, with phase 3 to be
concluded in Autumn 2016:
1. Initial preparatory work that included an assessment of existing sector best practice, an analysis of
relevant studies previously undertaken by the University and triangulation of those findings with current
levels of stakeholder understanding and awareness. During this phase we also facilitated interviews and
prepared a framework for future workshops.
2. Detailed stakeholder mapping, perceptions audit and gap analysis. This phase included facilitated
workshops with a range of internal colleagues and led to a single picture of the University’s current
stakeholder landscape. It made an informed assessment of the health of relationships with external
stakeholders, particularly when assessed against the objectives of the new strategy. It examined the
tension between what the University is seeking to achieve with each stakeholder group and the current
levels of perception and operational practice.
3. This phase involved the development of recommendations, priorities and actions that, if implemented,
will better link the University of Cumbria’s ambitions for reputation and engagement with its wider
strategy and business model.
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SUMS Consulting Annual Review 2016