Using Appreciative Inquiry to Strengthen Multi-Agency Collaboration for Children��s Health Outcomes

How can we move beyond deficit-based evaluations and truly understand what works in complex systems? In my recent work on school readiness systems change and speech and language interventions, I explored this question by applying Appreciative Inquiry (AI) as a research method. The goal: to capture the strengths of multi-agency collaboration and identify what enables success.

Why Appreciative Inquiry?

Traditional evaluations often focus on gaps and shortcomings. While important, this approach can overlook the assets and innovations that drive positive outcomes. Appreciative Inquiry flips the lens—instead of asking “What’s wrong?”, we ask “What’s working well, and how can we build on it?”

AI’s 4-D cycle (Discover, Dream, Design, Destiny) provides a structured way to explore these strengths collaboratively, making it ideal for multi-agency contexts where relationships and shared vision matter.

Adapting the NHS Public Health Framework

To ground this approach, I drew on the NHS public health framework

, integrating its domains (e.g., early years development, speech and language) into AI’s qualitative design. This adaptation allowed us to:

• Align inquiry with national priorities.
• Facilitate systemic reflection across health, education, and community partners.
• Generate actionable insights for continuous improvement.

One standout moment? When partners came together to articulate the meaningful impact they’re making on children’s development. Turning shared vision into clear, actionable language is where collaboration truly shines.

What We Learned

Using AI in these initiatives revealed powerful enablers of success:

• Shared Vision & Trust: Partners valued clarity of purpose and mutual respect.
• Resource Pooling & Innovation: Collaboration unlocked creative solutions for speech and language support.
• Relational Leadership: Leaders who fostered openness and co-creation were key to sustaining change.

These findings didn’t just validate existing efforts—they informed strategic adjustments to strengthen systems and scale effective practices.

Facilitating the Speech and Language Triage Appreciative Inquiry was a reminder of the power of reframing.

When we asked, “Can you think of a time the group overcame a big challenge?” the initial responses focused on barriers—lack of funding, organisational hurdles, the usual stories. But the real value emerged when we shifted to how those challenges were overcome. That’s where the strengths surfaced: Teams clarifying roles, Fixing broken processes, Advocating fiercely for families. These moments show that resilience and collaboration aren’t just buzzwords—they’re lived experiences that drive impact.

Why This Matters

Strengths-based reflection isn’t just a feel-good exercise. It:

• Builds engagement and ownership among stakeholders.
• Surfaces practical strategies for improvement.
• Supports a culture of learning rather than blame.

As we navigate complex challenges in child health and development, methods like Appreciative Inquiry offer a way forward—one that celebrates what works and amplifies it.

Keep an eye out for our upcoming evaluation reports in Summer 2026! Each report will bring together rich qualitative insights, practical recommendations, and real-world examples of what works in complex systems. Our goal is to deliver actionable learning for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers dedicated to improving children’s health and development.