Spotlight on Reshuffles: 5 Ways to Navigate The Changing Landscape of Stakeholder Engagement
In politics, few things are as certain as change. One of the most predictable upheavals is the Ministerial and Shadow Ministerial reshuffle, where key figures are reassigned, demoted, promoted, or in some cases, sent to the back benches.
For associations whose stakeholder relationships are key to progress, reshuffles can feel like a gut punch. You've invested time building relationships and ensuring your priorities are understood, only to have your main point of contact reassigned in a heartbeat.
Or, perhaps a new, enthusiastic MP is placed in a key role for your sector. Exciting! Not always. This newcomer may lack knowledge of your field, or worse, they bring ingrained preconceptions to their new role.
So, when reshuffles inevitably happen, how do you adapt and keep your association’s priorities in the spotlight? Here are five strategies to help you navigate these changes.
1. Embrace the Discomfort of Constant Change
Reshuffles are not just common, they’re a fixture of modern government, especially in the UK. A recent study showed that between 1974 and 2023, the average UK cabinet tenure was only 2.1 years. But since 2019, that average has shrunk to a mere eight months. In many roles, this brief tenure would hardly be enough time to get comfortable, let alone master the complexities of a Ministerial portfolio.
Knowing that these shifts are inevitable can help you stay flexible. While it’s tempting to pin your hopes on a single, stable relationship, adaptability and succession planning is key in an environment where personnel changes are as routine as they are unpredictable.
2. Broaden Your Network of Stakeholders
A single stakeholder connection, no matter how strong, will leave you vulnerable in a reshuffle. To protect against this, it’s crucial to build relationships with a variety of contacts across government. Key departments such as the Cabinet Office, No. 10, and HM Treasury should always be aware of your organisation and its priorities in addition to your ‘main’ department.
This ensures continuity, even if your primary contact is moved. You’ll have advocates who already understand your sector and can support your priorities, regardless of who holds the title of Minister.
3. Nurture Your Relationships with Private Office, Officials, and Shadow Party Advisers
Officials, private office staff, and shadow advisers also play an indispensable role. Private office teams manage the onboarding process for new Ministers, organising briefings, determining priorities, and scheduling the calendar for those crucial first weeks and ‘first 100 days’. Their influence in shaping a new minister’s first impressions can be powerful.
If you’ve already established a relationship with these behind-the-scenes players, your concerns and priorities are more likely to surface early on in the new Minister’s tenure. And this applies to shadow Ministers - build ties with the teams around them. Your priorities can be kept visible, even if the faces and roles around the table change.
4. Revive the Art of Letter-Writing—And Use It Strategically
It’s a tried and tested tactic, but it remains a constant in how Ministerial offices operate. When a reshuffle brings in fresh faces, send that congratulatory letter within the first couple of weeks. Keep it concise: introduce yourself, (briefly) outline your priorities, and request an in-person meeting.
This meeting can then become a foundation for future interactions. Use it as an opportunity to invite the new Minister to a site visit, presentation, or other hands-on experience to bring your association’s work to life. This approach sets the stage for a strong, mutually beneficial relationship from day one.
Coordinate with Members—and Let Them Help You
When a reshuffle brings in new leadership, you won’t be the only organisation eager to build a relationship. Your members - especially larger ones - are likely to be doing the same. Rather than competing for the new Minister’s attention, work with your members to lay the groundwork. If they meet the new Minister before you do, encourage them to share helpful insights or introduce the wider sectoral issues you’re advocating.
By coordinating with your members, you can maximise one another’s efforts, creating a unified message that makes a positive and lasting first impression on the Minister.
Ahead of the next reshuffle:
Reshuffles can be disruptive, but with the right strategies they don’t have to derail your efforts. With preparation and resilience, you can ensure that your association’s voice continues to be heard, no matter who is in office.