Is the involvement of the public, commercial, governmental or academic elements of society a desired outcome for the future of archaeology within cultural heritage? If so, how is this best achieved? The involvement of multiple stakeholders calls for a strategic approach and formalised structures. In the last three years, three organisations have developed three strategies in three differing jurisdictions — Ireland, Scotland and England. Each had varied stakeholder engagement focuses. The following analyses the choices made in stakeholder involvement, the outcomes, challenges and effects on implementation plans.