Strategy Development Services
Monitoring and Evaluation Services

Strategy Development Services

A good strategic plan defines the direction of an organisation or activity – setting out its goals, explaining why they are important and providing a route map for achieving them. Southern Horizons (UK) Ltd has supported a range of organisations with their strategy development.  This typically involves:

  • Reviewing the evidence base
  • Assessing the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT)
  • Using the evidence to develop and articulate the vision, mission and underpinning values
  • Setting goals and specific objectives
  • Preparing an action or implementation plan

We provide the ‘golden thread’ from the evidence base to objectives and ultimately priorities for action and also pride ourselves on engaging effectively with key stakeholders throughout the process, drawing on the experiences of those involved and ensuring their buy-in to the finished product.

Working with Buckman Associates we have, for example, supported the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership to develop a Delivery Plan for its Productivity Strategy. This involved working closely with the LEP’s leadership groups, as well as sectoral task and finish groups, to identify the key actions necessary to take forward delivery of the plan. We then went on to support the LEP to develop its Local Industrial Strategy. This involved working very closely with the LEP core team as well as representatives from Government to agree shared priorities and joint commitments to achieve transformational growth in the area. Whilst publication has been delayed due to external events, the strategy is being used to guide local activity. It also forms the basis of the emerging Covid-19 response which we are supporting the LEP to develop.

Featured Case Studies:

Higher Education Strategy

Project: Civic Mission

Client: University of Plymouth

With support from Buckman Associates we completed a research project to support the University of Plymouth to develop a Civic University Agreement. This involved undertaking a desk-based review and an extensive engagement exercise both internally and externally, including with members of the public. Our report outlined opportunities and recommended priorities for the University’s role in its city. This fed into a Civic University Agreement which was produced in line with national guidance on strengthening the connection between universities and their place.

Employment and Skills Plan

Project: Refresh

Client: Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership

We worked with Buckman Associates Ltd to complete a refresh of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Employment and Skills Strategy on behalf of the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). The project involved a thorough review of the evidence base alongside an extensive consultation with key stakeholders to establish employment and skills priorities with measurable outcome targets from 2016-2030. The refreshed strategy included a clear set of actions for the LEP and its partners to take forward and has fed into the LEP’s refreshed Strategic Economic Plan.

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Community Economic Plan

Project: St Endellion

Client: St Endellion Parish Council

Working alongside Buckman Associates Ltd we supported the Parish of St Endellion in Cornwall to develop a Community Economic Plan. This involved a full review of the socio-economic evidence as well as structured telephone interviews with members of the community, stakeholders and businesses to understand the issues. From this, key priorities and actions were developed into a cohesive plan, with short, medium and long-term actions to take forward.

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Housing

Project: Skills Training Plan

Client: South Hams District Council

In conjunction with Transform Research, we developed a Skills Training Plan for the Sherford housing development on the outskirts of Plymouth to maximise the development’s local employment benefits and comply with its Section 106 obligations. Evidence was collated around the demand for construction skills (from the developers and local sub-contractors); the supply of training; scheme set up/funding; and, a number of wider strategies and plans that contextualised the development. The process was also guided by consultations with key partners including the developers and Local Authorities, training providers, sub-contractors and other relevant stakeholders to help set realistic targets and agree a delivery solution for the development.

Other Services Offered

Monitoring and Evaluation Services

Monitoring and Evaluation Services

Helping organisations to make informed decisions and providing evidence to improve services.
Monitoring and Evaluation Services

Project and Bid Development Services

Using our research skills to support the developmental process from scoping studies to full funding bids.
Monitoring and Evaluation Services

Bespoke Research and Consultancy Services

Determined by individual requirements, timescale and resources for public, private and social purpose organisations.