Theory of Change and Strategy development
Supporting Bristol Refugee and Asylum Seeker Partnership (BRASP) to develop a collective Theory of Change and Strategic Plan (2024-2027)
The Task
Bristol Refugee & Asylum Seeker Partnership (BRASP) is a partnership which aims to bring together voluntary and community organisations working with and for people seeking asylum and refugees in Bristol so that an effective, unified and sustainable sector can meet the needs of, listen to and support refugees and people seeking asylum to enjoy healthy and fulfilling lives in Bristol. BRASP, led by its steering group, wanted to collaboratively develop their theory of change and new strategy (2024-2027).
The Process
The strategy developed was the result of a series of participatory processes involving 14 of the BRASP partners, developed over a 6-month period. The process was facilitated by Joanna Knight and involved three key phases:
Phase 1: SWOT Analysis Development: Consultations with 14 partnership members were undertaken which focused on understanding the different perspectives the value BRASP brings now and what it could be in the future.
The findings from the consultations were triangulated against the 2023 partner survey data and other key documents and presented in a SWOT analysis format at a BRASP Strategy Group awayday.
Phase 2: Theory of Change Development: The SWOT and context analysis was reviewed and validated by all the partners and formed the foundation of the Theory of Change development. Partners explored the problems and potential partnership solutions. These solutions were translated into change areas and partners provided more inputs to build the Theory of Change through online workshops and finalised at their next away day.
Phase 3: Strategic plan development: Based on the Theory of Change, partners developed strategic objectives and progress markers through a series of online workshops and finalised at the next All Partnership Strategic Meeting with an accompanying action plan collaboratively developed.
The Result
This was the first time, BRASP developed their strategy through a collaborative process. It has helped them to articulate and gain agreement across the partnership about their vision and priorities with mutual accountability embedded, with different BRASP partners driving each area of work forward with agreement from the wider partnership.
Project Lead: Joanna Knight
Themes: Social justice; Equality and rights for people forced to move; Theory of Change; strategise together
“It was fantastic working with Jo from merl on this. The process has really strengthened commitment and relationships in our partnership, and having the Theory of Change and Strategic Plan in place has given us a clear framework to continue our collaborative work and measure our progress. Thank you!”
Phoebe Westwood, BRASP Development Manager, Bristol Refugee and Asylum Seeker Partnership