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01. Key components of strategic planning
Strategic planning is a vital process that will enable your organisation to set long-term objectives and create a roadmap to achieve them. By investing time and effort into developing a well-crafted strategic plan, organisations can:
- Clarify their purpose and mission
- Set clear goals and objectives
- Allocate resources efficiently
- Motivate and engage staff and volunteers
- Measure progress and make data-driven decisions
Your plan should include the following key components:
- Mission and Vision Statements: write down your organisation’s purpose and long-term aspirations.
- SWOT analysis: assess your organisation’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.
- Goals and objectives: set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals.
- Action plans: outline the steps needed to achieve your goals, including timelines and responsible parties.
- Resource allocation: decide the financial, human and technological resources required to implement your plan.
- Monitoring and evaluation: establish metrics to track progress and make data-driven decisions.
Need help writing your plan? Check out our Guide to Business Planning
02. Collaboration and partnerships
Collaboration or merging with another not-for-profit organisation can be an effective way to achieve more for your beneficiaries. Have a look at the resources on collaboration and mergers published by Sayer Vincent:
Read their guide on collaborative working
To find local partners for bidding, commercial arrangements, resource sharing or experience sharing, search the Charity Commission register or Care Advice Buckinghamshire, and if you are looking for health and social care partners, explore Bucks Family Information Service.
03. Support and resources
We can advise you on how to create a strategic plan – simply book a free support session with us to get advice tailored to your organisation. You can also tap into other professional support and resources – have a look at our suggestions below.
- NCVO: offers guidance on developing strategic options, writing business plans, and creating strategy documents.
- Cranfield Trust: provides free management consultancy to eligible charities and organisations, helping them change and grow.
- Forth Sector: offers a business planning guide specifically tailored for developing social enterprises.
- Social Enterprise UK: provides resources and support for starting and growing social enterprises.
- Bucks Business First and Start-up Donut: offer valuable resources for social enterprises.
Download our Guide to Business Planning to get started.
Need tailored advice?
Complete the request form to book a one-to-one support session.
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