Our Communications, Engagement and Involvement Strategy 2026 to 2029 sets out how NHS Essex will communicate openly, listen to local people and involve communities in decisions about health and care.
Our purpose is to help make health services better in Essex. Clear information and meaningful involvement can help people understand changes, find the right services and have a stronger voice in decisions. They can also build trust, improve services and help reduce unfair differences in health between communities.
We will focus on four areas: explaining, listening, involving and building relationships.
Turning the strategy into action
The strategy is supported by three delivery plans, which are included as appendices. These set out how we will turn our ambitions into practical action over the life of the strategy.
The three delivery plans cover:
- Internal communications – how we will keep our staff informed, connected and involved, helping colleagues understand our priorities and their role in delivering better health and care.
- External communications – how we will provide clear, accessible and timely information to local people, partners and stakeholders, using the right channels to reach different audiences.
- Engagement and involvement – how we will listen to people and communities, involve them in decisions and use what we hear to help shape and improve services.
Together, these plans provide a clear framework for delivery and will help us measure progress, respond to changing needs and make sure our communications and involvement activity supports the wider priorities of NHS Essex.
The plans will be reviewed and updated as our organisation, priorities and the needs of our communities change.
NHS Essex Communications and Engagement Strategy (56kB docx)
Internal communications delivery plan (71kB docx)