Engaging 'Keepers of the Flame' in Programme Sunsetting

Engaging 'Keepers of the Flame' is a stakeholder management technique focused on respectfully and productively sunsetting legacy community programmes. It involves identifying the long-standing, passionate champions of a programme, known as its 'Keepers of the Flame', and empowering them to co-create its replacement. Rather than viewing these dedicated members as obstacles to change, this approach positions them as essential partners, leveraging their historical knowledge and emotional investment to ensure a smooth transition that honours the past while building a sustainable future.

Why it matters — Engaging 'Keepers of the Flame' in Programme Sunsetting

Sunsetting a programme, particularly one with a long history, is fraught with emotional and political challenges. The 'Keepers of the Flame' technique is vital because it transforms a potentially divisive process into a constructive, community-building exercise. Its importance can be understood through several key benefits: