The global skills and competency framework for the digital world

Stakeholder relationship management RLMT

Systematically analysing, managing and influencing stakeholder relationships to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes through structured engagement.

Revision notes

Updates for SFIA 9

  • Theme(s) influencing the updates for this skill: Making SFIA easier to consume (updates to skill name/skill description).
  • Readability improvements have been made to level 6.
  • You can move to SFIA 9 when you are ready - SFIA 8 skill descriptions will still be available to use.
  • Previous SFIA assessments or skills mapping are not impacted by this change.

Guidance notes

Activities may include, but are not limited to:

  • identifying stakeholders and analysing the relationships
  • agreeing on mutually beneficial outcomes
  • managing, monitoring and improving stakeholder relationships 
  • determining the relationship management approach to take - including roles and responsibilities, governance, policies, processes, tools and support mechanisms
  • getting commitment to action through consultation and consideration of impacts
  • combining formal and informal communication channels to achieve the desired result
  • operational management of stakeholder relationships and communications.

The focus of this skill is a systematic and planned approach. This skill is not intended for general communication and developing productive working relationships. Those factors are described in SFIA's generic attributes and levels of responsibility.

Understanding the responsibility levels of this skill

Where lower levels are not defined...
  • Specific tasks and responsibilities are not defined because the skill requires a higher level of autonomy, influence, and complexity in decision-making than is typically expected at these levels. You can use the essence statements to understand the generic responsibilities associated with these levels.
Where higher levels are not defined...
  • Responsibilities and accountabilities are not defined because these higher levels involve strategic leadership and broader organisational influence that goes beyond the scope of this specific skill. See the essence statements.

Developing skills and demonstrating responsibilities related to this skill

The defined levels show the incremental progression in skills and responsibilities.

Where lower levels are not defined...

You can develop your knowledge and support others who do have responsibility in this area by:

  • Learning key concepts and principles related to this skill and its impact on your role
  • Performing related skills (see the related SFIA skills)
  • Supporting others who are performing higher level tasks and activities
Where higher levels are not defined...
  • You can progress by developing related skills which are better suited to higher levels of organisational leadership.

Show/hide extra descriptions and levels.

Levels of responsibility for this skill

4 5 6 7

Stakeholder relationship management: Level 4

Level 4 - Enable: Essence of the level: Performs diverse complex activities, supports and guides others, delegates tasks when appropriate, works autonomously under general direction, and contributes expertise to deliver team objectives.

Deals with problems and issues, managing resolutions, corrective actions, lessons learned and the collection and dissemination of relevant information.

Implements stakeholder engagement/communications plans. Collects and uses feedback from customers and stakeholders to help measure the effectiveness of stakeholder management.

Helps develop and enhance customer and stakeholder relationships.

Stakeholder relationship management: Level 5

Level 5 - Ensure, advise: Essence of the level: Provides authoritative guidance in their field and works under broad direction. Accountable for delivering significant work outcomes, from analysis through execution to evaluation.

Identifies the communications and relationship needs of stakeholder groups. Translates communications/stakeholder engagement strategies into specific activities and deliverables.

Facilitates open communication and discussion between stakeholders.

Acts as a single point of contact by developing, maintaining and working to stakeholder engagement strategies and plans. Provides informed feedback to assess and promote understanding.

Facilitates business decision-making processes. Captures and disseminates technical and business information.

Stakeholder relationship management: Level 6

Level 6 - Initiate, influence: Essence of the level: Has significant organisational influence, makes high-level decisions, shapes policies, demonstrates leadership, promotes organisational collaboration, and accepts accountability in key areas.

Leads the development of comprehensive stakeholder management strategies and plans.

Establishes and builds long-term, strategic relationships with key stakeholders to support service delivery and change initiatives.

Acts as a principal point of contact, ensuring effective communication and alignment. Negotiates and ensures agreements meet stakeholder needs.

Oversees the monitoring of stakeholder relationships, capturing lessons learned and providing feedback. Leads initiatives to enhance communication and relationships, promoting collaboration and understanding between all parties.

Stakeholder relationship management: Level 7

Level 7 - Set strategy, inspire, mobilise: Essence of the level: Operates at the highest organisational level, determines overall organisational vision and strategy, and assumes accountability for overall success.

Determines the strategic approach to understanding stakeholder objectives and requirements.

Works with all interested parties to identify stakeholders and establish effective relationships. Establishes and promotes the overall vision for how stakeholder objectives are met and determines organisational roles and alignment.

Actively manages relationships with the most senior stakeholders and is the ultimate escalation point for issue resolution.

Keywords
Small change