Strategic Planning

Our Approach

We see strategic planning as a process for developing strategies to reach defined objectives. This is not a passive or once only activity. Strategic planning starts at the grand scale and takes in the ‘big picture’, looking into the future external environment of the organisation; it requires the determination of a mission, a vision and a set of objectives which enable the organisation to embark upon a journey. This journey will involve ‘tactical’ planning and detailed execution across the organisation, but there will also need to be a focus on the overall progress towards the objectives.

Strategic planning tries to create more desirable future results by influencing the outside world and adapting current programs and actions so as to have more favourable outcomes given this changing external environment. It also seeks to keep the organisation focused on the long term goals and equip it to react flexibly should unforeseen events occur.

Strategic planning is at the heart of long term success for any organisation in this fast-changing and unpredictable world.

Experience

Ian has extensive experience in strategy development and strategic planning. The selection of case studies illustrates the range of work undertaken and the differing levels of intervention which can be used. On the one extreme Ian has developed top level policy within a Department of State for implementation across anorganisation with more than 100,000 people. See the case studies on Freedom of Information policy development and planning plus the development of the Army Information Plan. On the other extreme Ian has worked in a more hands-on role designing and implementing the Corporate File Plan in the Home Office and whilst in the Army, leading the re-instatement of a factory complex in Kosovo. The project in Kosovo resulted in 450 civilians getting back to work and the resumption of essential support to the strategically vital power stations and coalmines. In parallel work to rebuild a medical centre and school was also completed.