FVREE, one of Victoria's largest specialist family violence services, is a cornerstone of support for individuals and families experiencing family violence. Amid significant organisational changes, including a new brand identity and expanded workforce, FVREE recognised the need for a new strategic plan that would help them navigate the evolving challenges of the family violence sector. To achieve this, they partnered with Impact Co. to develop a strategic plan with a refined focus that positioned the organisation to make an even greater impact on the communities they serve.

Project Context

The family violence sector in Victoria has undergone substantial changes over the past decade following the Royal Commission into Family Violence and the roll out of 227 recommendations. Having spent the last 3 years investing in strengthening the foundations of the organisation, FVREE sought a strategic plan that would position themselves as a key leader in the family violence sector.

The Problem-Solving Process

Impact Co. approached this project with a commitment to inclusivity, collaboration, and sector expertise. The goal was to create a strategic plan that truly represented the voices of everyone within FVREE, as well as the people it supports and organisations that it works with.

Consultative Engagement

We began by engaging with stakeholders across all levels of FVREE, including the Board, Executive Leadership Team, staff, clients, and sector partners. A key moment in this process was a full-day workshop involving over 100 staff members—a rare and ambitious effort that provided a platform for broad input and gaining buy-in. This comprehensive engagement ensured that the strategic plan would be informed by a wide range of perspectives, making it both inclusive and representative.

Elevating Lived Experience

Central to our approach was the emphasis on lived experience. We prioritised engaging with clients and others who had direct experience of family violence, ensuring that their voices were at the forefront of the planning process. Despite the time constraints, we made it a priority to incorporate these critical perspectives, which grounded the strategic plan in the realities of those who rely on FVREE’s services.

Sector Insights

Understanding the broader context of the family violence sector was crucial. We worked closely with FVREE to engage sector stakeholders, including related service providers. This engagement helped frame the strategic plan within the complex systems that FVREE operates, ensuring that it was both realistic and future-focused.

Having a Critical Friend

Impact Co. involved subject matter expert Emily Maguire, former CEO of Respect Victoria, who served as a Critical Friend throughout the project. Emily’s role was to provide oversight, challenge assumptions, and offer sector-specific insights that enriched the strategic planning process. Her deep understanding of the sector allowed us to identify nuances and opportunities that might have otherwise been overlooked, ensuring that the strategic plan was both robust and visionary.

Data Driven Storytelling

The process of consulting so many people across the organisation and the sector has given us a comprehensive picture of FVREE’s dynamics and the broader environment it operates within.

The next phase involves facilitating four workshops with FVREE’s leadership team and two with the board, using an iterative process to refine the strategic plan. This collaborative approach allows us to develop a plan that is actionable, aspirational and positions FVREE to meet the challenges of the future.