Strategic Planning in Health and Social Care

Strategic planners have a unique world view that plays a vital role in the planning and development of health and social care services and support. They:

  • take a whole system approach considering the totality of resources across health and social care
  • analyse emerging trends and population need against existing support and demand
  • look to the future to ensure changes address future need and challenges to stay ahead of the long-term

Strategic planning provides valuable insight on what support should be provided and how. A description of what a Strategic Planner does can be found on the NHS Careers website.

In health and social care, strategic planning is not always carried out by people who have that as their formal job title. This resource will provide insight, support and tools for strategic planning. It supports a Strategic Planning community of practice.

Strategic Planning Role

Describing what Strategic Planning is and the skills and competencies that a strategic planner brings.

Strategic Planning Role Strategic Planning Role

Strategic Planning Thinking

What considerations matter when planning?

Strategic Planning Thinking Strategic Planning Thinking

Resource Directory

A range of resources and approaches available for strategic planning.

Resource Directory Resource Directory

For advice or support applying the resource in your team please contact the team at his.transformationalsystemchange@nhs.scot

 

Last Updated: 27 March 2025