The unit aims to address the needs of managers/leaders in health and social care who are working in a culture of constant change and service development. Strategy is considered in respect of how it might be formulated and implemented locally within Health and Social Care. It will help leaders to consider and evaluate national and local strategy. Being strategic within the organisation and in collaboration/integration with others is a key principle here.

Key areas covered:

• Approaches to strategy - historical background, current practice and emergent thinking
• Developing and evaluating strategy in a public services environment
• Innovation and strategy development
• Strategic thinking
• Public value and measures of return on investment
• Preparing business cases and strategic planning documents
• Strategic tools and techniques
• Strategic collaboration

Learning outcomes

Having completed this unit, the student is expected to be able to:

1. Critically review strategy formulation and implementation in, and beyond, their organisation.
2. Critically evaluate national and local arrangements for Health and Social Care operation. 
3. Develop their capacity to think strategically and act thoughtfully.
4. Develop skills and knowledge which will allow them to be effective in leading or contributing to organisational strategy.
5. Develop their ability to lead effectively in collaborative contexts

Assessment

Students will be expected to critically evaluate organisational strategy and develop their own plan for a strategic initiative/change.