How to create a Strategic Plan
Define direction, set priorities, and turn strategy into action with stakeholder buy‑in and measurable outcomes.
Involve Stakeholders
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Implementation team (managers, staff, volunteers)
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Affected parties (members, users, beneficiaries)
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Oversight (board or stewards for progress)
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Contributors (community partners, funders)
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SWOT analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats
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Validate mission, vision, values with evidence
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Prioritise issues emerging from the analysis
Analyse Current Position
Get the Facts & the Buy‑in
Mission
Why you exist - concise, values‑rooted.
Objectives
Measurable goals that support the mission.
Tactics
Concrete actions with owners & deadlines.
Strategy
High‑level approaches to reach objectives.
Objective: grow market share by 15% in 12 months → Strategy: partner channels + new offers → Tactics: quarterly promos, loyalty scheme, targeted ads, named owners & dates.
Example:
Align Using MOST
Structures & Systems
Governance, roles, training aligned to delivery.
Operational Plans
Who/what/when/resources/success criteria.
Resourcing
People, budget, tech — address gaps early.
SMART Objectives
Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time‑bound.
From Aims to Delivery
Documenting Your Plan
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Executive Summary
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Introduction & Purpose (Mission, Vision, Values)
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Internal Appraisal (SWOT & governance)
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Future Potential (external forces)
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Strategic Aims & Priorities (3–5 years)
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Delivery Plan (budget, resources, timeline)
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Governance (controls & structures)
Relevant
Aligned with strategy and priorities.
Time‑bound
Deadline & interim milestones.
Achievable
Feasible given resources & constraints.
Measurable
KPIs and targets to track success.
Specific
What exactly? Who is responsible? Why it matters.
SMART Goal Builder
Review Rhythm
Monthly ops reviews, quarterly strategy checks, annual refresh.
Milestone Mapping
Clear checkpoints with owners, dates, success criteria.
KPI Selection
Pick a small set of leading & lagging indicators; build a simple dashboard.
Milestones, KPIs & Reviews
Discover
Context, objectives, constraints, and baseline metrics. Stakeholder interviews and quick wins identified.
Design
Co‑create the plan, governance, and resourcing. Clear owners, milestones, KPIs, and risk controls.
Deliver
Support execution with artefacts, workshops, and dashboards. Remove blockers; adjust based on data.
Non‑Exec Support
Board‑level advisory, challenge & support. Monthly ops / quarterly strategy reviews; decision support on investments, risk, and priorities.
How It Works
Ready to turn strategy into action?
We’ll facilitate workshops, build your plan, and help you run the review rhythm.