Influencing local decision makers
A toolkit for hospices to help influence decision-makers at a local and national level, and ensure that palliative and end of life services are placed firmly on decision-making agendas.
Introduction
Hospice UK works to influence the development of national policy about palliative and end of life care.
Local influencing is just as critical as national engagement. It helps you fulfil your mission, raise your profile, build partnerships and create new opportunities.
By working together to influence decision-makers at a local and national level, we can help ensure that palliative and end of life services are placed firmly on decision-making agendas.
What is influencing?
Influencing is the process of persuading others to help you effect meaningful change. It can be a powerful tool to help you:
- amplify your voice
- advocate for your services, communities and the wider sector
- raise awareness of your skills, expertise, solutions and services
- build new partnerships and grow local networks
- create new opportunities and reach more people
- secure funding and investment.
This can seem like a daunting process. We’ve put together some step-by-step information to help you effectively engage with and influence your local decision-makers.
Planning
Before you start any influencing work, you need to plan how you’re going to do it. This will help make sure you are working in a co-ordinated way, targeting the right people and using consistent messaging.
Making your voice heard
Now you’ve decided what you’re going to do, you need to get your voice heard! There are different ways you can do this.
Evidencing your impact
To get the most out of your influencing work, you need to present evidence to back up your case.