The strategic plan

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The basics to consider when writing a strategic plan.

Having a realistic plan, directly linked to outcomes, is evidence that you know where you are going, are clear about the difference you want to make, and understand the mechanics of how to get there. Developing a plan is key to effectiveness: the conversation that goes on as part of the plan development process is as important (if not more important) as the document.

NCVO's Strategy and Impact team gives guidance on some of the things you need to think about when writing your strategic plan. These include:

• your audience
• the different types of plan
• an approach to crafting a plan.

A perfect strategy plan?

While there's no right way of setting out your plan, we've consulted widely, looked at lots of examples, and suggest this perfect plan framework (WORD) as one way. It's a suggestion for a contents page of a 'traditional' strategic plan, with ideas about some of the ways in which you might populate the sections. If you're interested in exploring alternative ways of communicating your strategy, take a look at the strategy map ideas, and also visit the Leeds University Students' Union site and consider their very interesting approaches.

One organisation that is proud of its plan is the Nene Park Trust. Take a look at their 10-year strategic plan. It is an excellent example of a strategic plan that draws an organisation together.

(Help with reading PDFs - Adobe conversion tool is a free way to convert PDFs to web pages so you can read them online.)

Have your say

Add your ideas for a perfect strategy plan on our Strategy forum. You could even upload your plan contents page to the discussion forum if you feel brave enough!