SAIF: Standards for Disability Information and Advice Provision in Scotland
Standard 1: Governing to Ensure Accessibility
1.5 Forward Planning
You should have an outline strategy. This provides a background against which you can both review your performance and take decisions about the future.
The strategy should make it possible to decide on staffing levels, office locations, computer purchases and any other relevant matters.
Planning for the future will help you to maintain a quality service.
The Forward Plan relates closely to your service plan and helps to set an overall framework. It looks at future needs, opportunities and resources within the context of your aims and objectives. It can take the form of a strategic plan and/or a more detailed business plan.
The Strategic Plan focuses on long-term issues. It answers questions such as ‘Where do we want to be in five years time?’ and ‘Does this match our aims and objectives?’
The Business Plan focuses on short-term issues. It is often prepared for three years, but contains more detail for the first year. It should be subject to continuous review.
The Service Plan is prepared each year, along with the annual budget, and will include the items noted in section 1.3 above.
Planning is a demanding activity in terms of resources but the investment should pay off. It will enable you to avoid the stress of crisis management and enable you to meet your aims and objectives in the most efficient and effective way.
Go to the next page: Standard 1.6 - Independent Information and Advice