Business and Strategic Planning
The Juno Project
Sussex-based The Juno Project runs school programs that create a safe space for young women to explore their experiences, behaviours, and core beliefs.
The programme supports the development of self-awareness and a deeper understanding of personal identity and relationships. With compassion, life’s challenges are acknowledged, and individuals are empowered to shape positive narratives about their past, identity, and potential. This work is guided by one question: What are your gifts, and how will you use them?
The issue
The Juno Project was first referred to Cranfield Trust through a partnership with the Masonic Charitable Foundation, and the charity sought expert support to refine its three-year business strategy and create a clear, actionable plan for growth. The CEO, Sanchia Ryan, requested a Cranfield Trust volunteer to offer their commercial expertise to strengthen the organisation’s strategy and ensure long-term sustainability.
The CEO faced challenges in making key decisions, particularly around fundraising, developing paid funding streams, and executing long-term strategies. To address this, the charity also sought guidance from a CEO mentor to support it in these critical areas.
The solution
Cranfield Trust Regional Manager, Nicky Everett, met with the charity to fully understand what support they were looking for and how this could be delivered. Sanchia Ryan, CEO of The Juno Project was matched with Cranfield Trust volunteer, Catherine Hodgson, an experienced CEO and Director consultant in the charity sector, who had experience of working with commercial and charity sectors, and is also a trustee for a number of charities.
Initially, the focus was refining the charity’s three-year strategy and translating it into a structured 12-month operational plan with SMART objectives and key milestones. The strategic review process ensured the plan was clear, realistic, and actionable, providing a strong foundation for growth.
Working closely with Catherine, Sanchia received guidance on reviewing the existing strategy, identifying key priorities, and developing a business plan that outlined clear operational steps. The process also ensured knowledge transfer enabling The Juno Project to feel confident to do this for themselves in future. Additionally, the Board gained greater clarity on its strategic role, with improved accountability and a more structured approach to decision-making.
As the relationship between Catherine and Sanchia developed, Sanchia also requested support through Cranfield Trust’s structured mentoring programme. Catherine was able to offer continuing support as her mentor and focused on strengthening leadership skills, enhancing communication, and improving stakeholder engagement.
The impact
The Cranfield Trust project played a key role in Sanchia fostering stronger relationships with trustees and external partners, driving greater collaboration to advance the charity’s mission.
The strategic review had a transformative impact on The Juno Project, providing a clear and actionable operational plan to drive the charity forward with confidence. By refining the strategy and translating it into a structured business plan, the organisation now has a well-defined roadmap for growth, ensuring that key priorities are effectively implemented.
One of the most significant outcomes has been the development of internal capability. Through the introduction of simple, repeatable planning processes and user-friendly templates, the charity is now equipped to independently review and update its strategic plan in the future. This not only builds sustainability but also empowers the team to continuously refine their approach to meet evolving needs. Additionally, the strengthened strategic focus has positioned The Juno Project to enhance its funding profile, increasing opportunities for financial support and long-term stability.
The mentoring also had a huge impact on Sanchia, providing her with increased confidence, a clearer strategic direction, and the skills to navigate complex challenges such as fundraising, income generation, and organisational sustainability. It also had a lasting impact on professional competence and personal well-being, equipping Sanchia with the leadership skills needed to drive the charity forward effectively.
With a strengthened strategy, a clear operational roadmap, and a more confident and capable leader at the helm, The Juno Project is now better positioned to expand its reach, increase participation, and enhance its impact in the community.
“The collaboration with Catherine has been invaluable and a wonderful experience,” said Sanchia. “Having the support of someone with her wealth of experience has really built my confidence. The increased confidence in decision-making and strategic planning will have a lasting impact, ensuring the charity is well-equipped to expand participation and make an even greater difference in the community.”
