Stakeholder Mapping- why it matters

According to Hunter et al. ‘stakeholder network analyses can help clarify which organisations are connected to each other and how. They can also measure the quality of these connections, with the resulting data used to strengthen ties.’ (Hunter et al, 2019).

In the video below, Icehearts Europe experts and pilot implementers highlight the importance of a stakeholder network to guarantee the success of the approach. They also share tips on who to bring on board.

Reality-check: Stakeholders mapping as per the pilot experience

Based on testimonials from the implementing partners, it was clear that all Grassroots Sports Organisations had put a significant amount of effort into this stage. Much of this seemed to be the quotidian matter of making contacts and creating lists of staff, their roles and contact details. Whilst not eye-catching, this activity is crucial.

All implementing pilot partners within the Icehearts Europe project identified the SANA process as key to the development of their stakeholder network and their programme – ‘it’s worth the work.’

A fairly similar set of stakeholders will be involved in each pilot test location. These various stakeholders are:

• Mentors
• Local (Municipal) Authorities
• Schools
• Social Workers (may be present in schools, or external)
• Sports Clubs
• Various Departments or Ministries of the National Government

Whilst all pilot countries recognised the necessity for the same types of stakeholder roles to be involved, each saw them as having different levels of importance as illustrated by the diagram below: