Planning can help organisations mitigate risk and take advantage of arising opportunities. Whether developing a computer system, event, or project, planning will help to identify issues so you can mitigate risk and take advantage of opportunities that arise. The Planning Resource Kit contains tips to help with strategic, business and project planning. It also offers suggestions about planning approaches, such as what is involved in undertaking a needs analysis or a feasibility study. There are ideas for your consideration on each of the following topics:

Pre-planning

  • Needs analysis
  • Feasibility studies

Planning

  • Strategic plans
  • Business plans
  • Project plans
  • Planning summary

Ultimately good planning provides an integrated and unified way to deliver your business objectives. It’s important to document strategies you’re planning to use to help achieve your outcomes. You’ll also need to identify an ongoing method to evaluate and monitor your progress. To keep your eye on the ‘big picture’, an effective way of reporting is essential. Reporting will allow you to review your progress and ensure a considered approach to decision making.

Many organisations will already have sound planning processes in place and won’t need this resource. It is offered as a tool to help those getting started. There are many models and approaches to planning and we don’t assume to know what is best for your organisation. Please use whatever approach works for your organisation.

When considering a request for a grant e.g. towards a complex project, we need to be confident that it has been planned appropriately. While you may not be required to submit your organisational or strategic plan to receive a grant, the planning processes of defining and responding to problems, consultation and analysis are intrinsically valuable to your organisation.

Grants