We have published a refreshed Stakeholder Engagement Strategy (the ‘Strategy’) to help shape and coordinate the SSRO’s different engagement activities, ensuring they contribute to the delivery of its statutory functions and strategic aims.
Successful engagement is fundamental to the SSRO’s evidence-based approach to its work, and we continuously seek to improve how we undertake our engagement with stakeholders.
The refreshed Strategy complements the SSRO’s Corporate Plan 2025-2026 and incorporates findings from the SSRO’s Stakeholder Survey 2025. It provides details of the SSRO’s guiding engagement principles and approaches, and engagement priorities.
Engagement principles and approaches
The refreshed Strategy reaffirms the SSRO’s core principles and approaches for how it engages with stakeholders. These principles include maintaining an open and approachable stance, welcoming and encouraging engagement; actively listening to stakeholder input; and providing multiple channels for dialogue and feedback; as well as seeking opportunities to share our expertise and knowledge about the regulatory framework.
Engagement priorities
Building on these principles, the Strategy outlines four engagement priorities that will drive SSRO’s stakeholder interactions. These priorities reflect both ongoing commitments and new initiatives introduced in the refreshed Strategy:
1. Strengthened stakeholder support
The SSRO will dedicate greater focus to practical support services – such as its helpdesk, training workshops, on-boarding sessions for new contractors, and tailored guidance (including extra support for Small and Medium Enterprises) – so that stakeholders can easily get advice and assistance on the regulatory framework.
2. Continue developing our relationships within the MOD and facilitate better use of DefCARS data
The SSRO will engage even more closely with MOD officials and teams, encouraging them to utilise the data in the Defence Contract Analysis and Reporting System (DefCARS) to inform procurement decisions and manage contracts.
3. Maintain mechanisms for purposeful engagement with industry
The SSRO will continue its regular forums and working groups with industry (for example, the Operational Working Group (OWG), as well as bilateral meetings and site visits to defence contractors. Importantly, the refreshed approach will make these engagements more interactive and inclusive – inviting industry participants to present or co-lead discussions in meetings, and actively seeking industry viewpoints during consultations on regulatory changes.
4. Continue to enhance our communications approach and increase the impact of our work
This extends the SSRO’s engagement beyond our core group of stakeholders, highlighting its role as a trusted, expert voice in single source defence procurement.
Through these steps to improve communications and support, the refreshed Strategy seeks to make the SSRO more accessible, helpful, and transparent to all its stakeholders. Whether a stakeholder is deeply involved (attending meetings and contributing to consultations) or engages occasionally (reading updates on the website), they should find that the SSRO is engaging in the right ways and providing the information or help they need.
The SSRO encourages stakeholders to stay involved by:
Staying informed: the SSRO will continue offering both in-person and virtual updates, but even if you don’t engage actively, key information (like updates to guidance) will be shared online: ssro.gov.uk
Exploring the Strategy: understand the SSRO’s priorities and how they might relate to you.
Participating in engagement opportunities: join SSRO managed stakeholder groups, workshops, and consultations. The SSRO will announce these through its website, newsletters and LinkedIn account.
Using SSRO Support: Make use of the SSRO’s helpdesk and training sessions for any questions or challenges you encounter with the regulatory framework. The SSRO is committed to helping stakeholders navigate the system – don’t hesitate to contact us: helpdesk@ssro.gov.uk or 020 3771 4785.
