Why do it
This step is about developing and designing different options for change. This ensures that change ideas are thoroughly planned, designed with input from stakeholders, and widely supported. It is also a time to get approval and identify resources. Without this step, you might chase ideas for change that are not well thought out or have a change process that lacks ownership and momentum.
What is it
Now that you have completed the Identify and understand steps, your need for change should be clear. During develop and design, you clearly define the aim of the change and collaborate with stakeholders to co-design your solutions for testing.
Identify and assess your options for change
- describe what success would look and feel like – these can act as your criteria for how you assess your options
- assess your options for change by comparing them against your criteria for what success looks and feels like. You may find it helpful to explore more about options appraisal.
Engage with people and processes to build support and get approval
- explore your proposed options for change with people that you will need support or buy in from to work through their questions, concerns and build their enthusiasm
- identify the processes you need to go through to get agreement or sign off for your change idea. This might be your line manager, a service manager, a group, or a committee.
- identify any funding or resourcing required to undertake the next step prototype and test.
Bring in support you need, if you haven’t already done so
- for example another service, engagement experts, project management, IT, HR, commissioning, data and intelligence.
Identify what it would take across the enablers for quality and change to make the change work.
It is important to involve a diverse group of stakeholders at this stage. This includes people with lived experience and local communities. It enhances your solution’s design and helps people feel involved early on. This involvement can lead to greater support and action during implementation.
The best changes happen when you connect services with the people who use them. This allows for co-designing together. This is more than communication or talking through the chosen idea with them. Learn more about the people-led enabler of quality and change and people-led design approaches.
Who might you involve
It can be helpful to think about who you might need to involve or get help from during this step.
Think about:
- what skills, knowledge, and experience do you need
- what roles and responsibilities do you need in the room to think together and make decisions
- who might you need to support your work to get agreement
The skills and professions you might need to have involved in the change include:
- health and social care clinicians and professionals
- people with lived experience
- third and independent sector staff
- support staff (like data analysts, project managers, service designers, quality improvers, engagement experts, strategic planners, and organisational development professionals)
Practical support
Project management activities to be undertaken during this step of change. In addition, you can access further practical support below.
Taking the next step of change
Once you’ve designed and developed your change ideas, you’re ready to advance to the prototype and test step, where refining, prototyping and testing your change ideas can begin.
In some instances, you may not always follow the steps in order, and it may be necessary to revisit a previous step as new insights or evolving circumstances emerge.