The strategic planning step starts form the assessment findings and identifies clear goals, objectives and actions for developing procurement capacities.

• Clear ownership and commitment at appropriate levels of the "organisation" (this could be the government in the context of a national procurement system).
• A clear and powerful vision for what the outcome of the transformation will be and communication of that vision including what is required in terms of "new" behaviors and approaches.
• Clear links as to how the transformation relates to the core objectives and key strategic priorities of the "organisation".
• A sense of urgency as to why the transformation initiative should be given serious priority.
• Obstacles to change are addressed.
• Achievement of "quick wins" and attention taken to anchor the change securely in the "organisational" culture as "the way we do things".
• Effective engagement with stakeholders.
• Effective project and risk management for the transformation with clear lines of responsibility and the initiative broken down into manageable steps.
• Effective follow through to completion with adequate resources provided throughout.

Developing the strategic plan should be a flexible process that is a continuation of the assessment exercise and takes the factors above into account.

Download the file "Sample Terms of Reference for preparing a strategic plan"to support your work.