Make it ready
Preparing for change is a critical point in the change journey. This phase is about working collaboratively to clarify what the change will involve, what steps need to be taken and how best to manage the transition from current to future ways of working.
It is also the time to understand the level of support required to enable the change to happen smoothly and to support colleagues through the transition. Taking time to pause, explore and plan at this stage helps build confidence and readiness before action begins.
To what extent will this change impact people?
Understanding the potential impact of change will have on people and the level of disruption it may create for individuals, teams or operations, is essential. This insight enables you to plan proactively to minimise resistance, reduce disruption and support a smoother transition.
This activity works particularly well alongside the Stakeholder Mapping tool introduced in Make it Essential, helping you consider the impact of change on different teams, stakeholders and individuals.
Tool: Change Impact Analysis
As you assess who will be impacted and the nature of the change, it is important to align your thinking with wider institutional policies and guidelines.
As part of the Change Impact Analysis, you should also consider any potential equality implications by completing an Equality Impact Assessment (EIA). For more information, please visit Equality & Diversity – Equality Impact Assessment (EIA).
How will you Communicate to everyone and keep everyone Engaged?
Communication during change is more than scheduled updates or one-way messages. It is about creating a safe and inclusive space where colleagues can come together, share perspectives, ask questions and navigate the change collectively.
Effective communication is a continuous, two-way dialogue. Being receptive and responsive to feedback allows you to adapt your approach and ensures colleagues feel heard, supported and informed throughout the transition.
Consistent and timely communication helps provide reassurance during periods of uncertainty, offering something predictable for colleagues to rely on. This why planning a clear and thoughtful communication and engagement approach is so important.
Tool: Communication Plan
What skills or knowledge do people need to make this change successful?
Change often brings opportunities for learning and development. Allowing time and space for colleagues to build new skills and knowledge is key to enabling successful adoption.
By clearly comparing current ways of working with what will be different in the future, you can identify the skills, knowledge and support required to bridge the gap. This helps ensure colleagues feel confident and capable as the change is implemented.
Tool: Training Needs Analysis