PREPARED BY: Planning and Strategic Initiatives
DATE: December 5, 2024
SUBJECT: 2026-2030 Strategic Planning Process
PURPOSE
The purpose of this report is to outline the proposed strategic planning process for the WECHU’s (Windsor-Essex County Health Unit) 2026-2030 Strategic Plan and to clarify the Board of Health’s role. This includes participation on the Strategic Planning Advisory Committee, for which we are seeking one municipal appointee and one provincial appointee from the Board of Health.
BACKGROUND
The WECHU’s current strategic plan will conclude in 2025. Strategic planning is essential for defining organizational priorities, guiding resource allocation, and shaping actions to achieve long-term goals. A robust strategic plan provides a shared vision and enhances organizational focus, ensuring effective use of resources and optimal health outcomes. It also improves adaptability, helping the organization remain responsive to public health challenges and changing community needs.
The WECHU has a strong history of strategic planning success. The first plan (2012-2017) laid a strong foundation with goals centered on workforce development and organizational accountability. The second plan (2017-2021) introduced a Strategic Planning Committee (SPC), streamlined priorities, and established clear evaluation standards. The current strategic plan (2022-2025) emphasizes recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and supports vulnerable populations with a focus on adaptability and health equity.
DISCUSSION
The strategic planning process for 2026-2030 will commence in December 2024 and will be led by the Planning and Strategic Initiatives department with guidance from a Strategic Planning Advisory Committee. The committee will include board members, frontline staff, management team members, and leadership team representatives. The Advisory Committee will provide essential input and feedback throughout the process.
A key aspect of the committee’s role will be to support the planning team by reviewing materials and providing input at critical stages of the planning process. We are seeking one municipal appointee and one provincial appointee from the Board of Health to participate on the committee.
Strategic Planning Process Overview
1. Mission, Vision, and Values Review
- Role of the Advisory Committee: Contribute to the review of WECHU’s mission, vision, and values to ensure they align with community needs.
2. Environmental Scan and Stakeholder Engagement
- Role of the Board and Advisory Committee: Contribute to the assessment of internal and external factors impacting the organization.
3. Identify Strategic Issues
- Role of the Board and Advisory Committee: Contribute to identifying and prioritizing strategic issues and setting goals that address identified priorities.
4. Plan Review and Approval
- Role of the Advisory Committee: Provide feedback on the draft plan for finalization and board review.
- Role of the Board: Approve the final strategic plan and oversee its implementation.
This process will guide the WECHU in creating a responsive, effective strategic plan to address public health needs and drive positive outcomes in Windsor-Essex.