Strategic Planning

In planning and implementing its activities, the Secretariat focuses on issues such as the strategic development priorities identified by Commonwealth Heads of Government at their biennial meetings and the Secretariat's governing bodies.

It seeks to support the Secretariat's Divisions in designing a development assistance programme in key areas which build on and use the unique strengths and comparative advantage of the Commonwealth and the Commonwealth Secretariat. With a modest budget, it is important for the Secretariat to build strategic partnerships with other organisations in order to maximise the impact of its work. The priorities, strengths and strategies for working with others is set out in the Commonwealth Strategic Plan 2008/9-2011/12. Its aim is to promote coherence in programme planning and delivery as well as enhance multidisciplinary collaboration.

SPED leads the strategic planning and policy development within the Secretariat, and works closely with the Executive Committee of the Secretariat's Board of Governors.  From 1 July 2004, the Secretariat's strategic planning will adopt a four-year horizon with two-year operating plans and budgets.  In parallel, the Secretariat will move to a results-based management (RBM) approach. A revised performance-reporting framework is being developed which will assist in managing for results and ensuring forward-planning is in line with the Secretariat's strategic objectives.  Working closely with the Secretariat's governing bodies, SPED leads the strategic planning processes within the organisation and facilitates the development of the Secretariat's strategic and operational plans. It works to ensure the many elements required to deliver and support an effective political, economic and social programme of assistance to member countries are weaved together in an holistic plan at the strategic and operational levels.

SPED's  strategic planning and policy development activities also include:

1. Advising the Secretariat's senior management on strategic policy development and co-ordination.
2. Co-ordinating the internal implementation of the mandates from Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings through the Secretariat's work programme.
3. Promoting multi-disciplinary activities across the Secretariat's work programme to address key development issues highlighted by Commonwealth Ministers at their regular meetings .
4. Undertaking reviews of Secretariat's procedures to achieve improved effectiveness.
5. Supporting gender mainstreaming strategies within the Secretariat.
6. Working in collaboration with the Commonwealth Foundation in the organisation of an induction programme for new Commonwealth diplomats based in London.
7. Working in collaboration with other Commonwealth agencies in the organisation of the annual Commonwealth Lecture.