Planning and Managing the Unknown
We all know that we can’t predict the future, from the weather to the lottery numbers. There is no way of knowing how things will happen, and the impact these events might have on your organisation. We’ve pulled together a series of tips to help you in your planning process, from tools to manage uncertainty, and to planning the what if’s. If you’re interested in support to implement any of these ideas, then get in touch with us today.
Risk Management
Risk Management should a central column of any boards discussions. The policy should include the organisations acceptance and risk, and risk map which should outline the key risks the organisations faces, along with mitigating actions to minimise risk to an acceptable level.
Risk Management should be utilised across the organisation, from the decisions the board make through to the decisions of senior management and the wider staff base. Risk should be managed on a case by case basis, and where possible mitigation’s reported and recorded to ensure good governance.
Risk Management allows you to decide in a quick and effective way decisions to key events within the organisation.
Continuous Improvement
Continuous Improvement is a unique tool which can be used by organisations at any time, but can incredibly useful in understanding how change effect an organisations work and processes.
By listening to staff across the organisation, you are able to build a picture of what would work well for them, what doesn’t work so well, and what doesn’t make sense.
Continuous Improvement can be run in a variety of ways from staff forums, and suggestions boxes, and consultation workshops. All suggestions should be noted and responded too by management to ensure staff are brought into the process.
Research, Reports & News
Research, Reports and News are important tools in understanding a changing situation.. Reports on the sector helped understand the impact outside of your organisation, and the ways your organisation might be effected.
It’s important to consider news in perspective, and not allow it to change your course or direction frequently. Take time to think about the news and advice in context.
Forecasting
Forecasting is not only about setting out the amount of funding and expenditure, but also setting the expectations of receiving the funds, and also the duration.
Take each of your donations in turn and look at the likelihood of funding being maintained or extended.
Forecasting also allows you to look at projected return on investment of fundraising activity.
Governance
Throughout all levels of your organisation, it is important that staff and volunteers adhere to policies put in place by the trustees. It’s important that decisions are documented, including who made the decision and why.
Ensure delegated authority policies are place and adhered too. Ensure it’s received regularly, and during times of significant change, ensure it is fit for purpose and that exceptions don’t become the norm.
Get involved in the decisions on our facebook page, or our linkedin page to tell us your top tips with managing the future of an organsation.