This paper describes the need for transparent and honest relationships with stakeholders in the process of reproviding a service.

It highlights the role of audit and monitoring quality to determine the ‘health’ and effectiveness of services.

Having a collaborative approach to addressing problems means that involvement is impolitic so stakeholders can offer feedback based on evidence rather than just concerns based on hearsay.

The authors conclude that this enables services to be redeveloped on the basis of needs rather than provision of beds and that projects are developed based on good practice guidelines.

Improving services through partnership and consultation: a case example, Chaplin E et al., in Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, 5, 2, 3-8.