What will delegates learn?

Delegates will develop a practical understanding of stakeholder engagement and relationship management at senior level. The course will explore how to identify stakeholders, understand different priorities, manage expectations and build trust across complex internal and external relationships.

The module will also help delegates strengthen their influencing, negotiation and partnership working skills, with a focus on governance, accountability and effective collaboration. Delegates will also explore how to handle challenge, conflict and reputational risk while maintaining transparent, productive and accountable relationships.

This course will cover:

• Stakeholder engagement in social housing
• Relationship management and trust-building
• Partnership working across services and agencies
• Influencing and negotiation
• Managing expectations and competing priorities
• Governance and external relationships
• Stakeholder mapping, prioritisation and engagement planning
• Managing conflict, challenge and reputational risk.

Practical outcome: delegates will identify actions they can apply in their role and use as evidence of continuing professional development.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, delegates will be able to:

• Identify and analyse key internal and external stakeholders and understand their interests, influence, expectations and potential impact on housing priorities
• Develop appropriate approaches to stakeholder engagement and relationship management, recognising that different stakeholders require different levels and methods of engagement
• Build and maintain constructive relationships based on trust, transparency, credibility and clear accountability
• Apply influencing and negotiation skills to achieve effective outcomes while managing different perspectives, expectations and competing priorities
• Work effectively across organisational and professional boundaries to strengthen partnership working and support coordinated outcomes for residents and communities
• Manage challenging stakeholder relationships and disagreements constructively while maintaining professional relationships and organisational responsibilities
• Explain how effective stakeholder relationships support governance, assurance, decision-making and the delivery of strategic housing priorities.

Who should attend?

This module is suitable for Senior Housing Executives and Strategic Leaders who work with boards, tenants, regulators, partners, local authorities, contractors, community organisations or other key stakeholders.

It will be useful for leaders responsible for strategy, governance, partnership working, service improvement, resident engagement, external relationships or organisational assurance. It is especially relevant where successful delivery depends on alignment between residents, boards, regulators, local partners and internal teams.

Live virtual public training sessions

Stakeholder engagement and managing relationships in housing management (C&C top-up module) — 23 February 2027, 9:30am–3:30pm