The Big Picture is
an organisational development framework. It has been designed to help you
think about every aspect of your organisation and it's work and take
action to improve it. The framework is explained in detail on pages 4 and
5.
Who is it for?
How long does it take to use it?
The Big Picture is
designed to be used by any type of not for profit organisation.
large or small
new or well established
service or campaign based
local or national
paid or volunteer staffed
There is no hard and fast rule.
The Big Picture is designed to be flexible. You can use it to focus on one
or two difficult issues at a staff or committee meeting or assess your organisation
overall over a period of time. You can dip into it for insights and ideas
or use it to hepl you plan where you are going as an organisation.
For example of how you can use The Big
Picture see p6.
How do you use The Big
Picture?
Does it make a
difference?
The
big Picture can be useful for a number of different reasons:
as a framework to assess
your organisation
to focus scant resources
on areas of work that will have the biggest impact in the shortest
time
to induct staff to quality
improvement issues
to check your progress
against your plans
as a format for writing
funding applications
to address areas of
tension or conflict
to motivate people within
your organisation and involve stakeholders
to improve how you develop
strategic or business plans
to set up or review
monitoring systems
to conduct training needs
analysis
to identify gaps for
development
How much
of a difference is up to you. The Big Picture asks you tough questions,
gives you practical ideas to adapt or build on and sources for further
help. The answers you find and actions you take are yours. The Big Picture
helps you approach issues in a systematic, comprhensive and holistic way
but you find the path that suits your organisation best
What does
it cost?
It
depends on how you use it. You will want to budget for the cost of The Big
Picture but other costs depend on what you decide to do. If you have a
group meeting you may need to consider:
travel expenses, catering
and room hire
engaging an external
facilitator (some trained Peer Supporters are free, see page 7)
purchasing resources to
help you get started (see page 7)
Don't
forget the hidden costs, for example staff and volunteer time.
For further information on purchasing The
Big Picture see page 7
