The government’s Open Innovation Team has set out the scope of its Engagement Services for policy programmes, in an update published on GOV.UK on 22 October 2025. The notice describes support from planning through to delivery and reporting, with methods ranging from co‑design to AI‑assisted insight mapping.
According to the announcement, the team is a government unit that works with external experts to generate analysis and ideas for policy. Most clients commission a blend of engagement, research synthesis and policy development; some departments and partners use the engagement offer on its own, particularly for large or long‑running commitments.
In the planning phase, OIT will collaborate with commissioning teams to design a tailored engagement strategy and delivery plan. The approach is intended to scale across multi‑week, multi‑month or year‑long programmes, aligning objectives and stakeholder needs while working within identified constraints.
For delivery, the team can lead or co‑deliver meetings, seminars, workshops and conferences. It also manages logistics and coordination and issues regular reporting against key performance indicators (KPIs) agreed with the commissioning body.
On reporting, OIT provides clear, actionable insights drawn from each engagement. Outputs include captured feedback, identified themes and recommendations that set out follow‑up actions and immediate next steps for officials.
The methodology highlighted combines rigour with practical creativity. Techniques referenced in the notice include co‑design, targeted campaigns and the use of AI‑assisted insight mapping to organise evidence and stakeholder contributions.
Illustrative work includes nationwide ministerial visits and other high‑profile stakeholder events. These exercises have been used to gather input to inform longer‑term strategies, including a national ten‑year action plan.
In Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), OIT collaborated with the Department for Education to run workshops and peer‑to‑peer learning for local authority teams delivering SEND services in schools. The sessions focused on peer learning among delivery teams.
Through the Land Use Dialogues Programme delivered with the Geospatial Commission, the team explored how land‑use considerations relate to priority government policies. Workshops and video outputs were used to shape subsequent work on land‑use strategy.
A concise slide pack, OIT Engagement services overview (PDF, 548 KB, nine pages), provides examples and testimonials for commissioning teams. Enquiries can be directed to enquiries@openinnovation.gov.uk to discuss scope, timelines and capacity.