Once you have the essential governance practices in place and working well, it is important to start thinking ahead of the current season, the next event, the next issue.

Futureproofing your organisation helps maintain current standards and build capabilities both at the management level and at the operational level. Ultimately, future proofing is about improving sustainability and thinking about your organisation beyond the now.

Sport and active recreation organisations can do this by implementing a range of planning practices and tools such as:

  • Effective strategic planning and strategic plan evaluation processes.
  • Succession planning to build continuity beyond the individual committee member or volunteer.
  • Financial planning tools and skills to better manage your resources over the long-term.
  • Stakeholder engagement planning to keep your community active and invested in your future.

Sport and active recreation organisations ready to tackle futureproofing are encouraged to utilise the following tools from the Australian Sports Commission tools:

Having a current strategic plan in place can help ensure your organisation remains focused on its long-term goals and responsive to the needs of your members and wider community. A good strategic plan acts as the cornerstone of strong governance and decision-making and can help attract financial support by demonstrating a clear vision to sponsors and funding agencies. Regardless of the aims of your organisation, a strategic plan sets the foundation for long-term success.

Strategic plans should:

  • typically span 3-5 years,
  • reflect the objectives of your organisation,
  • be created in collaboration with relevant stakeholders,
  • align with your organisations financial plan, and
  • be reviewed regularly.

Each organisation will have different strengths, weaknesses, and priorities, so each strategic plan will be different and should be tailored to your organisation’s needs.

To be eligible for certain ORSR funding programs, organisations may be required to have a current strategic plan. Learn more about ORSR’s funding eligibility requirements.

For information and guidance on how to best develop your strategic plan see:

National Governance Resource Library – Strategic Planning | Australian Sports Commission

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Succession planning is crucial for maintaining stability, knowledge, and continuity in your organisation. Planning for personnel changes ahead of time helps prepare for the future, build capacity and identify capable future leaders of your organisation.

Important aspects of effective succession planning include:

  • Determining the key leadership and support positions that require succession planning
  • Identifying people both inside and outside of your organisation who could fill those positions.
  • Identifying the skills your people need to take on those roles
  • Providing training and skill development opportunities to your people
  • Inducting new people with the knowledge they need to succeed
  • Considering the impact of turnover on maintaining diverse representation and gender equity in leadership positions – a requirement for some and an important target all organisations should strive for.

Succession plans could be embedded within strategic plans or be standalone.

For information and guidance on how to best develop your succession planning see:

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Strong financial planning and management is key to the long-term health and prosperity of any sport or active recreation organisation. A well-developed financial plan helps your organisation manage resources responsibly, make informed financial decisions, and prepare for future growth or unexpected challenges.

Sound financial planning also helps increase transparency and accountability which builds trust with members and stakeholders and strengthens your organisation’s ability to secure funding or sponsorship.

Your financial plan should be closely linked to your strategic plan, as good financial management is key to achieving long terms goals and priorities.

For information and guidance on how to best develop your financial planning see:

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