Paralympics Ireland developed their strategic plan with a key requirement – having a consultative approach involving key stakeholders of board members, athletes, performance staff and community and national governing body partners.
The plan resulted in a shared vision with stakeholders which created an alignment on priorities and actions over the next three years. This plan is assisting the team in managing their priorities in the build up to key events like the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
Paralympics Ireland Strategic Plan 2014-2017
“This is to state that Paralympics Ireland used the professional services of Pinta Consulting to formulate our Strategic Plan ‘Securing Success Together’. The process was conducted to a very tight brief and a very strict timeline, one significantly shorter than would be the norm for a process of this kind, which was an all-inclusive process consulting with all stakeholders relevant to Paralympic sport in Ireland.
At all stages Pinta were at the centre of the process both in terms of conducting workshops and online surveys but also at regular steering group meetings and update gatherings in order to determine the continued progression of the planning development process.
Prior to this, Paralympics Ireland chose Pinta primarily due to the previous testimonials identified, their flexibility regarding to timeline and process and also their solid proposal in terms of cost related to their extensive programme of work with us.
At all stages I was impressed with the professionalism, expertise, knowledge but most importantly the customer focus displayed by Peter Hanan, Helen Cahill and Orla Cullen in every engagement they had with Paralympics Ireland both to me as a CEO but also to the Board, Staff and the wider stakeholder group. The Appreciative Inquiry approach coupled with an emphasis on cordial check and challenge was particularly robust and effective.
Of particular benefit to me as a CEO was the support given directly by Peter Hanan in driving through the final stages of the consultation process. His presence as the independent facilitator at meetings with the key stakeholders prior to the final date of approval at the Paralympics Ireland AGM was particularly effective and an noteworthy commitment to delivery of the final plan.
Peter and his team have a clear grasp on stakeholder mapping, the wider macro environment which Paralympics Ireland and other sporting bodies are operating in but also a clear focus around identifying the key issues and prioritising the major strategic objectives for the organisation over the coming years. Their ability to identify such clear priorities and actions for the organisation at this exciting time was particularly helpful.
I would have no hesitation in recommending Peter and his team to conduct similar projects for other sporting bodies. I will highlight their specific support to the CEO and the Board of Directors in driving the development of such an important piece of strategic work in an organisation such as Paralympics Ireland.
On a personal level I would like to thank Peter, Helen and Orla for the support, encouragement and knowledge but also their collegiality and friendliness they displayed to everyone within the process.
I wish Pinta Consulting continued success and I look forward to working closely with them again on future projects”.
Liam Harbison, Paralympics CEO