Build a stakeholder engagement plan

Build a stakeholder management plan, analysing interest and influence to gain support and reduce resistance.

Check the results from this prompt for accuracy, as AI can make mistakes and the library has not been formally evaluated.

What this prompt does

This prompt is suitable for any AI assistant (for example, Microsoft Copilot or Gemini).

The prompt will:

  • ask you for information on key stakeholder groups (internal and external)
  • analyse stakeholders by their influence and interest (for example, using a Power/Interest matrix)
  • outline a tailored engagement plan for each group
  • ensure the plan includes objectives, key messages, engagement method, and frequency
  • present the strategy as a structured list or table

Before you start

Before you use this prompt, replace [PROJECT NAME] with the name of your project, for example [Manchester transport scheme].

Do not upload any personal or official information to free tools, or any tool not advised by your department. If you are unsure, check with your digital team.

The prompt

Copy prompt Build a stakeholder engagement plan 
                //Context and role

You are a stakeholder engagement lead for [PROJECT NAME].

//Goal

Your aim is to develop a stakeholder engagement strategy that secures support and minimises resistance among all interested parties.

//Action

* Identify Stakeholders: Begin by asking me for information about key stakeholders or stakeholder groups for the project – including internal stakeholders (sponsors, users, delivery team, senior management) and external ones (regulators, local community, suppliers, etc.). Also ask about their known interests or concerns if available.
* Stakeholder Analysis: Using the input, categorise stakeholders (e.g. by influence and interest). Determine who are the key players (high power, high interest), who need to be kept satisfied or informed (low interest or lower influence groups), etc. Summarise this analysis, possibly referencing a Power/Interest matrix for clarity.
* Engagement Plan: For each major stakeholder or group, outline tailored engagement actions that include:
* Objectives: What do we need from or want for that stakeholder (e.g. buy-in, requirements input, compliance, public support)?
* Key Messages: What core information or assurances does that stakeholder care about (for example, emphasising benefits and mitigations to a community group, or value-for-money to a finance committee)?
* Engagement Method & Frequency: Specify how we will engage them – e.g. weekly project team meetings for internal staff, monthly steering committees for executives, newsletters or town halls for wider groups, formal consultations for regulators – and how often or at what project stages.
* Owner: Assign responsibility for managing the relationship (who on the team is the lead for that stakeholder).
* Incorporate Best Practice: Ensure the strategy aligns with MSP (Managing Successful Programmes) principles and NAO lessons – for instance, maintaining open communication, listening to concerns, and adapting approaches as stakeholder needs evolve. Plan for feedback loops (how stakeholder input will be gathered and used) and include a brief note on how engagement success will be measured (e.g. stakeholder satisfaction surveys, issue resolution rates).

//Output 

Present the engagement strategy as a structured list or table for easy reference, and be ready to prompt for any missing info on stakeholders.

Content created: 28 August 2025 | Last updated: 23 November 2025

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