When is a Launch not a Launch? When it’s a Summit.

Actionable strategy implementation in Northamptonshire.

Anyone who has worked with us will know we are a bit phobic of launch events for our strategies. We prefer to celebrate what you achieve with the strategy, not simply the publishing of it. That said, if you’re going to the effort of bringing stakeholders together to make this milestone, then do something creative that starts you on that road together; a stepping stone, not a milestone. 

So what happens when a client has commissioned a ‘launch’ event? Last week, Alex & Amy did not launch the Cultural Masterplan we have been developing in North Northamptonshire – at the launch event. It’s not even finished yet. Instead we hosted a Summit, attended by over 70 stakeholders. Why, and what did we do that made it worthwhile?

• We presented the draft Masterplan, so stakeholders had another opportunity to see where their inputs have been applied, and invited fresh feedback (both on the day and in writing afterwards). Through our collaborative engagement process, we can state that c.200 stakeholders have co-created the Masterplan. It’s the best way to create genuine ownership, and is a powerful message when the finished document eventually goes before local politicians for approval. 
• We always look to use cultural spaces rather than civic or commercial. We hosted the event at Kettering Arts Centre, which helped to build their profile – and our venue hire budget went to support a local community arts centre.
• We again used our budget to pay back into the local economy by funding the Creative People & Places organisation Made With Many to facilitate conversations and capture ideas and actions. 
• We asked attendees to start drafting the action plan, including making commitments of their own organisations. Co-design needs co-delivery. This shared responsibility builds sustainability into the approach and ensures this is a place-based Masterplan, not just a local authority plan. 
• In inviting attendees to critique an outline governance model, we made sure stakeholders had a say in not only what they need to do, but how it will be managed. This helps build a mandate for cultural leaders to make and implement decisions on behalf of the sector. 
• We shared a statement supplied by Arts Council England in support of the draft Masterplan, and which invited conversations to explore funding opportunities. 
• The Northamptonshire Community Foundation presented ideas for how it could support new approaches to grant-making for the cultural sector, including some case studies. 
• Policy and key agenda alignment is hugely important. Culture needs to show how it can contribute across all facets of society. A panel of local leaders from across the county – working in environment, community, young people, visitor economy, heritage and education – discussed how they would like to collaborate with the cultural sector in delivering the Masterplan. 
• We asked all attendees to table the final Masterplan and action plan at their own boards – or whatever formal process they use – to further hardwire it into the sector. This further embeds the message that the Masterplan is for everyone to support and deliver collaboratively. 

So, not a launch, but rather another step to build endorsement, active input and support.

None of this is earth-shatteringly original. But it all reinforces the integrity of the process and resulting Masterplan. It confirms that, once we as consultants step away, there is an actionable route-map with shared understanding and motivation to deliver it. Capacity has been identified, future funding opportunities cultivated, and next steps agreed. 

We take an awful lot of pride in, and put an awful lot of effort into, building relationships within a place – to ensure that our work is relatable, actionable, realistic, appropriate and hopefully transformational. Producing a good strategy is important, but what happens next is really what it is all about. The transition from consultants helping to develop a strategic plan to local stakeholders delivering it is a critical period. Governance, leadership, communications, monitoring… That’s why we don’t just sail off into the sunset, even if a launch event is delightful! 

We’re really excited to see how the sector in Northamptonshire moves forward with this over the next few months. They’re ready for it, and have skilled people who can make good things happen. And of course, we be keeping in touch to help when we are needed. After all, we’re a stakeholder now too.