Topics for your strategic radar

A lot has changed over the last few years, so maybe now is a good time to take the plunge and roll out a strategy refresh. Taking a step back to reframe plans and really take a deep dive in your strategy existing strategy will go a long way.

Strategising Well Works

Strategy creation is unique and each organisation does theirs differently. However inconvenient, there’s no definite template for every type of organisation that you can use to make it fit your needs. The same goes for which topics and issues you’re going to cover in that strategy. That said, there are a number of recurring themes that come up in conversations with charities and social enterprises.

Here are some of the topics you need to have on your strategy radar for 2022 and beyond:

  • The bigger picture

Covid-19 affected 90% of charities; the situation varied but required adaptability. For those in the sector and the public at large, it brought many issues into focus: mental health and loneliness; health and social inequalities; educational gap, training and employment; progress through science; the power of people working together.

Although it may have been crowded out of the headlines recently, climate change and the need for action remains a pressing issue for many, particularly the younger generation.

Most recently, devastating events in Ukraine have mobilised many to take action and underline the fragility of the status quo.

Think about what your organisation’s vision and mission and how it relates to this bigger picture. How can you communicate the relevance of your cause?

  • Digital Exclusion and Hybrid Delivery

Reducing travel expenses and the chance of infection during a huge pandemic seems like a big positive, but there are concerns about digital exclusion. Should we hold in-person meetings and services again, or keep them online? We’ve already encountered this problem; the new variants of the virus creating epidemic/s just made it more urgent.

  • Establishing Long-Term Relationships With Funders

Over the last two years, we’ve seen charities partner more meaningfully with funders, thanks to the flexible funding initiative and acknowledgement of grassroots community organisations on the ground. It is too easy to forget that well-written and honest reports on the history of a project can make a significant impact on an existing funder’s opinion of the organisation.

  • Staff Burnout

Your team has been fighting constantly with the community to serve a growing demand for health and education services, while battling to stay financially afloat in a context of dwindling state funding. With each new lockdown, the pressure grows, as your staff struggles to make sure they can provide competent and caring services. Everyone is tired and stressed out, and the upcoming holiday (if we even get one) will not be a restorative one.

By failing to take into account employees’ emotional well-being, you risk having your strategy flop. Prioritize your employees’ mental health in 2022. That might mean providing them with more support, flexibility, or encouragement than before, including more budget. Don’t leave them to fend for themselves; doing so may cost you more money in the long run.

Conclusion

Over the last two years, the world has been in a state of chaos. Now that things are slowing down and opening up, a review and refresh is in order. Make sure to fill your 2022 strategy radar with things like staff burnout and establishing long-term relationships.

Looking for businesses that help with fundraising? Drop Craigmyle Fundraising Consultants a line today! We’re the longest established firm in the UK with a strongly vocational approach to working with charities.

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A lot has changed over the last few years, so maybe now is a good time to take the plunge and roll out a strategy refresh. Taking a step back to reframe plans and really take a deep dive in your strategy existing strategy will go a long way.

Strategising Well Works

Strategy creation is unique and each organisation does theirs differently. However inconvenient, there’s no definite template for every type of organisation that you can use to make it fit your needs. The same goes for which topics and issues you’re going to cover in that strategy. That said, there are a number of recurring themes that come up in conversations with charities and social enterprises.

Here are some of the topics you need to have on your strategy radar for 2022 and beyond:

  • The bigger picture

Covid-19 affected 90% of charities; the situation varied but required adaptability. For those in the sector and the public at large, it brought many issues into focus: mental health and loneliness; health and social inequalities; educational gap, training and employment; progress through science; the power of people working together.

Although it may have been crowded out of the headlines recently, climate change and the need for action remains a pressing issue for many, particularly the younger generation.

Most recently, devastating events in Ukraine have mobilised many to take action and underline the fragility of the status quo.

Think about what your organisation’s vision and mission and how it relates to this bigger picture. How can you communicate the relevance of your cause?

  • Digital Exclusion and Hybrid Delivery

Reducing travel expenses and the chance of infection during a huge pandemic seems like a big positive, but there are concerns about digital exclusion. Should we hold in-person meetings and services again, or keep them online? We’ve already encountered this problem; the new variants of the virus creating epidemic/s just made it more urgent.

  • Establishing Long-Term Relationships With Funders

Over the last two years, we’ve seen charities partner more meaningfully with funders, thanks to the flexible funding initiative and acknowledgement of grassroots community organisations on the ground. It is too easy to forget that well-written and honest reports on the history of a project can make a significant impact on an existing funder’s opinion of the organisation.

  • Staff Burnout

Your team has been fighting constantly with the community to serve a growing demand for health and education services, while battling to stay financially afloat in a context of dwindling state funding. With each new lockdown, the pressure grows, as your staff struggles to make sure they can provide competent and caring services. Everyone is tired and stressed out, and the upcoming holiday (if we even get one) will not be a restorative one.

By failing to take into account employees’ emotional well-being, you risk having your strategy flop. Prioritize your employees’ mental health in 2022. That might mean providing them with more support, flexibility, or encouragement than before, including more budget. Don’t leave them to fend for themselves; doing so may cost you more money in the long run.

Conclusion

Over the last two years, the world has been in a state of chaos. Now that things are slowing down and opening up, a review and refresh is in order. Make sure to fill your 2022 strategy radar with things like staff burnout and establishing long-term relationships.

Looking for businesses that help with fundraising? Drop Craigmyle Fundraising Consultants a line today! We’re the longest established firm in the UK with a strongly vocational approach to working with charities.