PMSA

A bold new strategic direction

Working with the team at Collaborateur, 2018.

EDUCATION

FRAMING THE CHALLENGE

With diverse opinions and an unfocused role, how could an overarching Board of four independent schools carve out a future-proofing strategic plan for themselves and for the future global citizens they will nurture?

RESPONSIBILITIES

I conducted design research and identified current issues, future aspirations and potential ways forward through Senior stakeholder interviews (Board, Principals, Parents). I complemented this with desktop review of existing strategies and sector research. I then distilled and designed twelve hypothetical futures to inspire possibility, stimulate debate and find consensus. I identified a number of best-fit strategic planning frameworks and collaborated with colleagues to design and facilitate a Board workshop and distilled a large volume of workshop output into draft strategic plan over three horizons. I then worked with the Board to refine the strategy and collaborated with the design and copywriting team to produce the final plan.

OUTCOMES

This project design and facilitation found a way forward for this organisation and generated action and progress from a complex and diverse set of stakeholders. The combination of future scoping and purpose work enabled both conservative and visionary leaders to give their best to the project and to the future of PMSA.

REFLECTION

Despite the fact that this project focussed on a smaller cohort of students in private catholic education, the depth of discussion, expert input and the sector research I undertook offered me an insight into the impacts of educational funding policy, global education models and opportunities for a more inclusive education system in Australia. It highlighted our collective responsibility to create policies to ensure that all children are given the opportunities and capabilities to look outside their immediate surroundings to become responsible future citizens of the world.

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