Business and Strategic Planning

Since 1995, Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Service South Buckinghamshire (RSASS) has supported hundreds of survivors of sexual abuse annually, providing counselling, listening services, ISVA support and peer group support. Their work is vital in helping survivors to heal and move on with their lives.

The charity has a waiting list but it is currently very short (1-2 weeks). If they do
need to place service users on a waiting list, they offer befriending or listening services while users are waiting. 

The issue 

The charity wanted to develop a three-year strategic plan. They needed to translate
their service priorities into achievable targets and aims.  Staff and volunteers needed to understand how their contribution would help to achieve the organisation’s strategic goals and ambitions. 

The solution

A well thought out, thorough and realistic three-year strategic business plan provided the foundation for RSASS to move forward and support victims of sexual violence across south Buckinghamshire. The plan focussed on key priorities:

• Awareness and reputation – growing the charity, services and reach and building the service to a ‘centre of excellence

• Funding – diversifying and strengthening reserves

• Partnerships – creating more and strengthening existing, commercial as well as charities and public services.

The project started in October 2023, and was completed March 2024.

RSASS's Journey to Excellence diagnostic: pre and post project 

The impact 

"This project has helped us build a plan for the future and work more effectively together.  It will have a major impact, allowing us to focus our effort and resources more effectively.

The project gave us the framework and guidance to create something we can share with all. [Our volunteer] helped us build a plan for the future and work more effectively together. The project will have major impact, allowing us to focus our effort and resources more effectively.” Donna Millar, CEO

In today’s uncertain climate greater efficiency will strengthen the organisation’s resilience and sustainability.