Guidelines - Responsible Exchange and Volunteering 2018

Project design & Operational Plans Meaningful exchanges cannot happen in the absence of a strong project design and operational plan. It is suggested that the project design is undertaken as a collaborative exercise by both partners. A shared vision enables clearer design, planning and implementation as all activities will be directed towards achieving that vision. You may find that using the logical framework approach (the logical steps and actions which must happen) for delivery of the exchange experience is useful tool. Click here or go to page 65 for a template example which will assist in how you think about exchange as a project that has an aim, objectives, inputs, outputs, outcomes and indicators by which you can monitor and evaluate your project offering. The Operational plan is the tool which allows you to implement the project plan and is important because it optimizes your organisations performance, informs staff of roles and responsibilities and strengthens your partnership because it acts as a communicative tool for hosting and sending. The plan will address :

I. Where are we now? II. Where do we want to be? III. How do we get there? IV. How do we measure our progress?

The operational plan plays a further critical role in ensuring you can do what you set out to do on the budget you have. Detail can vary considerably in the operational plans from one organisation to another, but it should take the following points into consideration:

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Clear objectives

Activities that need to be undertaken Quality standards we want to achieve Outcomes from the exchange process Staffing and resources that are required Implementation scheduling / timetables

- Process to monitor progress, share with partners

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