Jointly setting a strategic agenda for your forum is not just an end in itself but also supports:
- ensuring the correct representation on the group, and the appropriate attendees for meetings
- promotion and communication of what the SPF does and its benefits
- making best use of time at meetings
- early engagement on key issues
- ensuring a shared sense of responsibility for the forum' business
Top tips on how to develop a strategic agenda include:
- agendas should be focused – not a catch-all for every issue
- a lot of work will need to be done outside of the actual meetings
- joint Chairs should:
- liaise on constructing agendas
- consult all constituents for suggested items
- prioritise key themes for discussion
- at the end of each meeting, agree strategic items for the next meeting
- construct a strategic agenda and work plan of activities over an extended period e.g. the next 12 months and circulate at each meeting for information and amends
| The National SPF agrees a strategic work plan annually following the stocktake – this allows the whole group to input. The plan is then shared at every meeting and updated by the joint chairs to reflect changing priorities and timescales. |