January 13, 2026

Our South Copeland Development Officer, Beresford Moyle Rosser, is back with suggestions for how to plan your organisation’s future, set goals and more, including a useful Objective Planning template to help get your 2026 plans organised.

It is a New Year. Christmas is over, the decorations are down and most of us have returned back to work and opened brand new planners and diaries and wondering how to fill them.

And, for some us, new year resolutions made over a glass of champagne on New Year’s Eve have already been broken.

Let that not be the case with your own voluntary group and the plans for the year ahead!

The beginning of a new year offers voluntary groups and charities an essential moment to pause and thoughtfully plan their future course. Establishing well-defined goals allows voluntary groups to clarify their purpose, respond to evolving needs, and ensure their operations remain sustainable and impactful.

I hope the following guide helps break down the process and highlights the importance of financial stability, staff development, and governance, and at the end of this blog there is a practical template to help you in your planning for the year ahead.

Identifying Your Objectives

Start by revisiting your charity’s mission, vision, and the core values that drive your work. Engage a diverse range of voices—staff, volunteers, trustees, and service users—through surveys, workshops, or informal conversations to capture a holistic understanding of needs and opportunities.

Analyse last year’s data, including service outcomes, beneficiary feedback, and financial statements, to uncover gaps, strengths, and areas for improvement. Consider external factors such as sector trends, policy developments, and evolving local needs to ensure your objectives are forward-looking, responsive and meet the needs of the people you serve.

Checking Relevance and Feasibility

Assess each proposed objective for direct alignment with your charity’s mission and existing services. Does the goal fulfil a clear need for your beneficiaries? Map objectives against your current portfolio to avoid diluting focus or duplicating efforts. Check that other organisations in your area are not already meeting the need you are trying to address – and if they are can you collaborate with them?

Evaluate practical considerations: does your organisation possess the expertise, resources, and infrastructure necessary? Consult with staff and volunteers for candid insights, and ensure Trustees are involved in reviewing strategic fit and approving substantive changes.

Staff Capacity, Training, and Job Descriptions

Strategic objectives often require new skills or expanded responsibilities. Assess whether your current team can deliver on the goals. If gaps exist, outline training needs—including potential costs, timing, and delivery methods—and review job descriptions to ensure they accurately reflect roles and expectations. Staff consultation is critical: involve your team in shaping changes, addressing concerns, and building buy-in. If specialist expertise is needed, consider options for external recruitment or short-term contractors, and plan accordingly for resource and budget implications.

Budget Review, Cash Flow, and Mitigation

Every objective should be assessed for its financial viability. Estimate costs for implementation, staff training, recruitment, and any anticipated overheads.

Ask how will this objective affect your cash flow both in the short and long term. If risks or pressures are identified, develop mitigation strategies such as phased rollouts, seeking additional grants, or adjusting priorities to maintain financial health. Regular monitoring and contingency planning are essential to safeguard sustainability.

Prioritising Objectives, Action Planning, and Trustee Oversight

Rank objectives using criteria such as anticipated impact, feasibility, cost, urgency, and alignment with your core mission. The SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) remains a reliable tool for translating vision into clear action steps. Assign responsibilities for each objective, set timelines and measurable milestones, and establish regular reviews to assess progress and adapt as necessary. Transparent reporting and ongoing Trustee engagement ensure that the organisation remains accountable and resilient.

Objective Planning Template

To support thorough and structured planning, use this expanded template for each identified objective. Each section includes dedicated space for notes, encouraging reflection and detailed consideration as you develop your plans.

By using this template, charities can approach each objective with thoroughness and care, ensuring all critical dimensions—from financial and staffing considerations to governance and operational planning—are addressed and tracked. This not only increases the likelihood of success but strengthens your organisations resilience and accountability for the year ahead.

 

I am more than happy to help you review your strategy for the coming year. If you would like help you can reach me on 07826 284929 or by email beresford.moylerosser@cumbriacvs.org.uk

I typically work Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.