Strategic planning allows organisations the opportunity to refresh and reflect whilst also thinking about the future. Einstein famously said the definition of insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting a different result. The broader environments we work in can change, scientific advances happen, and new information becomes available through improved data and understanding. If we keep doing the same thing as an organisation whilst the world around us changes, we will find that we are not going to achieve our vision and purpose.
A good strategic plan offers a barometer to support good decision-making around what we do. It can also help to prioritise work to ensure we direct our effort and resources to actions that are intentional and impactful.
Simon Sinek’s approach in Start With Why (Sinek, 2011) suggests organisations begin by defining their purpose and the reason for existing. Once it is clear what the ‘WHY’ is, then successful organisations will move to identifying how and what they do. The first VCCC Alliance Strategic Research Plan was developed in 2016, followed by the current Strategic Program Plan 2021-24.
Our current plan sets out our vision to:
Save lives through the integration of cancer research, education and patient care. Through innovation and collaboration, the VCCC Alliance will drive the next generation of improvements in prevention, detection and cancer treatment.
Following the development of the vision, aspiration, mission and goals last time, the VCCC Alliance consulted broadly to develop the detailed actions that resulted in the 10 programs in our current SPP 2021-24.
Early in 2023, we will commence the work to develop our next strategy and business case. There will be a comprehensive process to seek feedback to guide the process and content for both the strategic plan as well as the subsequent business case. A detailed plan for consultation for both the strategy as well as the goals and actions which will form the subsequent business case will be released in early 2023.
VCCC Alliance Deputy Board Chair, Professor Sanchia Aranda AM, posed a challenge for us to consider in strengthening/connecting our purpose to key actions resulting in closing the equity gaps that currently exist for Australians following a cancer diagnosis.
“It is important in any endeavour that everyone is working towards the same goals and understands how their work contributes towards their achievement. A robust and engaging strategic planning process is an essential first step towards this. My hope is that the VCCC alliance strategic planning process will deliver action to improve outcomes for all Victorians with cancer but especially help us close equity gaps.” - Sanchia Aranda
Updates about the process and opportunities to get involved will be included in our newsletters and website.
Lisa Somerville, Head, Quality and Strategic Initiatives
SINEK, S. 2011. Start With Why, Harlow, England, Penguin Books.
