Introduction
In the summer of 2010 Kent Area conducted a strategic review, through a participative process involving the Groups which constitute the Area and other interested parties.
The principal aim was to produce a strategic plan for the area covering the next five years.
The project was given a working title of Looking Ahead 2015
This note and the attachments (they are sequential) give an insight into what we did, what we found, and what we are planning to do.
What we did
We started by making a presentation to the Area Council, setting out some immediate changes we wished to make, and explaining what we were trying to do in the long term, and how we wanted the Groups to participate.
You can see the presentation here.
This presentation was supported by an explanatory hand out which explained, amongst other things, the methodology and the subject areas that we would be using with the review - this was not a definitive list.
You can see the explanatory hand out here.
This followed with a series of meetings (led by myself as Area Chair) with each Group, Central Office and other interested parties, to discuss and find their views on the subject areas as appropriate.
The meetings were open and discursive, the anecdotal information being recorded in a standard format which in effect controlled the agenda and standardised the responses for collation (see appendix A of the Explanatory Hand Out (above).
While the consultations were taking place, quantitative and general background research was undertaken.
What we found
It became clear early on that to produce a comprehensive report covering all the subject matter, which had been collected, would not be possible in the time scale envisaged, and additionally our priorities were changing. Therefore a first part report was produced covering the issues of Membership, Organisation and Management.
This report was put to Area Council and with some amendments was adopted.
The findings and analysis and adopted recommendations are set out in Looking Ahead 2015 Part 1 here.*
What we did next
An implementation plan, along with illustrative support documentation was devised and put to Area council; it is now out with the groups for comment.
You can see a copy of the Implementation plan here.
You can also see illustrative support documentation on the following:
Ramblers Pub Walks
Non-renewal Follow Up Walking Clubs Joining Pack Review To contact Neville Machin, Kent Area Chair, click here.
*[NB please note one factual error in the report: the Ramblers' insurance policy only covers Area and Group activities and events - it does NOT cover the activities of individual members or affiliated clubs. Affliated clubs have to arrange their own insurance, and this will be quite separate from the Ramblers' policy. Please see the link below to the relevant page on the Ramblers website:
http://www.ramblers.org.uk/Volunteer/AreaGroup/Basics/Insurance]
