YMCA Brunel Group Strategy Day

7 February 2025

On Saturday 1st February the senior team, along with some staff they were encouraged to invite from their departments, were invited by the trustees to attend a strategy event at our newly refurbished Frome Youth and Community Centre.

At the event the trustees thanked all staff for the role they had in the planning phase last Autumn, completing a series of exercises at the trustees’ request. All the amazing information that came out of that feedback gave valuable insights in the scope and impact of our YMCA work.  In response to that feedback, the trustees worked on a new vision statement, new core purpose statement and identified 5 new values.

Staff spent a valuable day discussing the vision, core purpose and values and how they relate to the work we do.

Our Vision:

Our vision is to inspire and enable transformative change in lives and communities, creating a future where potential is realised, and no one is left behind.

Our Core Purpose:

We go above and beyond to deliver exceptional services in housing, children & youth provision and wellbeing, so everyone can flourish.

Our Values:

  • We are kind – we treat everyone with empathy, respect and compassion. As kind individuals we prioritise the wellbeing of others, offering support and understanding in every interaction. We believe that kindness strengthens our community and creates a positive, inclusive environment where everyone can belong and thrive.
  • We are curious – we embrace a mindset of lifelong learning and exploration. As curious individuals, we ask questions, seek new perspectives, and are open to discovering innovative solutions. We are driven by a desire to understand, grow, and continually improve both personally and as an organisation.
  • We are custodians – We care deeply for the legacy and future of our YMCA and the transformative work we do. As custodians, we take pride in protecting and nurturing our assets and our community, ensuring our mission thrives for generations to come. We are active stewards of the planet, making thoughtful choices that contribute to a sustainable future. Through our actions, we honour the trust placed in us to create lasting positive change and safeguard the world we all share.
  • We are wavemakers – we are bold, innovative and unafraid to challenge the status quo. As wavemakers, we actively create positive change and aim to inspire others. We take initiative, drive progress, and make a meaningful impact on our community and beyond.
  • We are genuine – we are honest, transparent, and true to our word. As Genuine individuals. we act with integrity and authenticity, building trust and fostering meaningful connections. We stay true to our mission and values, ensuring that our actions consistently reflect who we are and what we stand for.

The trustees have also identified 5 key pillars of work which will form the basis of our strategic planning going forward:

  1. Capacity & Capability: Attracting and retaining the skills and talent to support our continued growth and impact. Building capability and capacity to help futureproof our operations and support personal development and succession.
  2. Innovation & Impact: Continue to adapt and evolve our service offering, maintaining an entrepreneurial mindset, building our commercial acumen and broadening our funding streams to grow our impact and ensure financial stability.
  3. Awareness & Advocacy: Broaden our communications, engagement and reach. Ensure our impact is understood through effective impact measurement and reporting.
  4. Quality & Compliance: Maintain a positive reputation through a focus on consistent delivery of quality service and adherence to both internal and external standards.
  5. Service User Voice: Ensuring we remain reflective of, and responsive to the needs of our service users and place them at the centre of our decision-making.

What’s next?

Staff have now been empowered to go away and work with their own teams to share the information and start to answer a variety of questions on a detailed worksheet. They will think deeply about how these new vision, values and pillars are embedded throughout their work. Staff will consider how they will be impacted by these changes, and what they can do to demonstrate the values in their work.

We will then be working to complete our new Strategic Plan to be implemented in April 2025!