Purpose & Strategic Importance
For many National Societies, a strategic planning process is linked with an organisational self-assessment. A strategic plan is not only about setting priorities — it is also a powerful organisational development tool, helping to define where the Society will focus and how it will allocate resources.
Inputs: Organisational assessment tools
National Societies regularly use IFRC tools to assess their overall capacity and performance:
- OCA(C) – Organisational Capacity Assessment (and Certification): a comprehensive process benchmarked across 100+ Societies. It helps identify strengths and weaknesses compared to minimum standards of a modern, well-functioning organisation.
- BOCA – Branch Organisational Capacity Assessment: a branch-level tool to assess strengths, limitations, and challenges, often used as the first step in branch development.
- PER – Preparedness for Effective Response: supports National Societies in strengthening local preparedness capacities for timely, effective humanitarian response to all hazards, aligned with the auxiliary role.
Sector-specific tools also exist (e.g. IT, Protection, Gender and Inclusion), which can help identify priorities in specialised areas.
Activities & Decisions
Strategic questions that emerge from assessment
- Do we have the right organisational structure to deliver on our humanitarian priorities?
- Do our existing capacities allow us to respond to the humanitarian needs we have identified?
- Do our existing capacities protect us against reputational or other risks?
- Do we have adequate resources to achieve our strategic priorities?
Examples & Learning
OCA(C) as a basis for strategic planning
The OCA(C) provides a structured, participatory way to reflect on organisational capacity. It invites perspectives from governance, staff, and volunteers, and provides a strong basis for strategic planning.
“Our 2014–2018 strategy was largely built on the OCA(C) results. If the right people are participating, dare, and are allowed to speak out, then it can be a powerful tool.”
