Each FVRIC is required to develop a 3-year Strategic Plan showing the alignment of local objectives with statewide policy and reform priorities. The Strategic Plan needs to describe the key objectives and anticipated outcomes in relation each of the five strategic priorities for FVRICs.
In addition to the Strategic Plan, each year the FVRIC is required to develop an Annual Action Plan documenting the activities and initiatives to be undertaken in relation to each of the priorities and objectives identified in the Strategic Plan in that period. A projected budget showing the anticipated expenditure of FSV funding provided to support the FVRIC needs to be provided with the Annual Action Plan. Refer and download the templates for the Annual Plan and projected budget in Attachments.
The Annual Action Plan and projected budget provide the framework for annual reporting to the DFFH Area. This reporting fulfils the formal accountability and acquittal requirements for the auspice agency under the service agreement with DFFH. Further detail on reporting requirements is provided in the oversight and reporting requirements section.
Planning cycle and process
FVRICs are required to undertake strategic planning every three years. The strategic plan should cover the period commencing 1 July following the release of the Family Violence Reform Rolling Action Plan (FVRRAP.) It is recommended that preparation to inform the next strategic plan commences well in advance of the end date of the current plan. FSV will advise the anticipated release date for the FVRRAP as early as possible.
The development of the FVRIC Strategic Plan should be a consultative and collaborative process informed by:
- FSV reform priorities in the current FVRRAP and Industry Plan RAP
- priorities identified in the Dhelk Dja Agreement and by the local Dhelk Dja Action Group
- other key reforms which impact on family violence responses, as advised by FSV
- current initiatives and priorities identified by the DFFH Area, The Orange Door
- peak bodies (Safe and Equal and NTV)
- input by FVRIC members, people with lived experience, and other key stakeholders
- relevant data and evidence
- progress against the previous FVRIC Strategic Plan
Given the system stewardship role of DFFH, it is expected that the FVRIC actively engage with their DFFH Area in the development and implementation of the Strategic Plan.
Content and format of the Strategic Plan
The FVRIC Strategic Plan needs to identify objectives and actions for each of the five statewide FVRIC strategic priorities, and include the following information:
- brief description of the FVRIC, including membership and strategic connections
- brief overview of the process to develop the plan
- brief overview of relevant Family violence and demographic data for the area
- brief overview of the local service system - family violence response services, related services/sectors, as well as any prevention services (if relevant)
- summary of key objectives in relation to each of the five FVRIC strategic priorities, including:
- issue to be addressed
- key stakeholders
- local data or evidence relevant to the issue
- alignment with statewide policy and reform objectives
- type of activity to be undertaken to address the issue (noting specific activities are to be described in more detail in Annual Action Plans), and anticipated timeframe for activities (Year 1,2 or 3)
- desired outcomes
- impact / change indicators
- plan for review of the Strategic Plan
- Annual Action Plan – Year 1 (refer to the below Annual Action Plans section)
Content and format of Annual Action Plans
The FVRIC is required to develop an Annual Action Plan describing the actions that will be taken in the 12-month period to support the achievement of objectives identified in the Strategic Plan. The Annual Action Plan needs to include:
- activities to be undertaken in relation to each of the five strategic priorities, including the timeframes for each activity
- key stakeholders
- progress indicators
- projected budget showing anticipated project costs
FSV can provide or confirm the current template for the Annual Action Plan.
The FVRIC is required to have a formal process to monitor progress against the Annual Action Plan, and to ensure continuity between Action Plans. This monitoring may indicate the need for some adjustment to the priorities set out in the Strategic Plan.
Endorsement of the Strategic Plan and Annual Action Plans
Each FVRIC is required to submit their Strategic Plan and Annual Action Plan (Year 1) with projected budget to the DFFH Area by 1 May, following the release of the relevant Rolling Action Plan for the Ending Family Violence Plan for Change.
FSV will provide advice to FVRICs and the DFFH Areas regarding any specific priorities which need to be addressed in Strategic Plans and Annual Action Plans.
All Strategic Plans and Annual Action Plans are to be formally endorsed by the DFFH Area. The Annual Action Plan for Year 2 is to be submitted to the DFFH Area with the Annual Report for year 1, and the Annual Action Plan for Year 3 is to be submitted with the Annual Report for Year 2.
DFFH Area endorsement of the Strategic Plan and Annual Action Plans will ensure that the DFFH Area is aware of the priorities and projects of the FVRIC, and that synergies with relevant work across the area can be identified. Plans which align with the strategic priorities described in these guidelines will be endorsed by DFFH.
It is expected that submission of the Strategic Plan and/or Annual Action Plan to the DFFH Area will include a meeting with the DFFH Area, attended by the auspice agency, chair and principal strategic advisor for the FVRIC.
Significant changes to the Strategic Plan or Annual Action Plans, such as alteration of key deliverables should also be agreed with the DFFH Area.
DFFH Areas should seek advice from FSV in relation to any unresolved issues with Strategic Plans and Annual Action Plans.
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