This report focuses on the need to successfully engage the public in difficult decisions about changing services. It begins with case studies sharing the experiences and learning from three different reconfiguration projects, followed by a series of top tips on how to get public engagement right.

The case studies explore learning from Better Beginnings, which looked at maternity and paediatric services in East Susses, Healthier Together, a programme around health and social care services in Greater Manchester and Future of acute hospital services in Worcestershire.

Top tips described in more detail in the report are:

• Timing is everything
• Call in the experts
• Get your messaging right
• Go wide B
• Listen, be respectful, be honest… and let go