What Is Strategic Planning?

Volunteer Development Agency Small LogoWhat Is Strategic Planning?

A key function of the Management Committee is to determine the direction and scope of the organisation over the longer term. This is usually reviewed on a 3 or 5 year basis through a process called strategic planning.


Strategic planning is the process of:

  • clarifying what the organisation is about;
  • deciding what is and is not a priority for the use of resources;
  • analysing the internal and external environment;
  • considering how best to deal with upcoming changes and transitions;
  • setting out a clear direction; and
  • setting concrete goals for the future.

Organisations may produce a number of different types of plans. These may include:

  • Development plan
  • Project plan
  • Strategic plan
  • Business plan
  • Operational plan

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Strategic planning involves looking at the organisation as a complete entity and is concerned with its long term development. This involves looking at where the organisation is now, determining where you want to get to, and mapping how to get there.

The strategic plan should be summarised in a written document to ensure that all concerned are clear regarding the aims and objectives the organisation is working towards.

Operational plans

Your strategic plan should be supported by annual operational plans. These will often be developed by senior staff members (where there are paid staff) but must be approved by the management committee. An operational plan outlines the activities and targets which the organisation will carry out in order to work towards achieving the aims and objectives set out in the strategic plan. It provides the framework for an organisation’s day-to-day operations. An operational plan covers a one year period.

On the basis of reports against the operational plan, the Management Committee can then review progress towards meeting the strategic aims and objectives.


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