Many of us are in the midst of planning or implementing the re opening of our buildings or services; as restrictions associated with the Covid 19 pandemic begin to ease in the UK. Much has been written specific to indiviual sectors and circumstances, but I wanted to offer four more general thoughts on how we might approach this process. I hope you find the nmemonic more helpful than clumsy!
Consult. Talk to as many people as possible, not only staff and office holders who have a direct involvement, but also those whose ‘buy in’ is crucial, be they volunteers, clients, or others who may be effected by what you decide With so much change and uncertainty in recent months, many will have concens and questions and offering the chance to discuss how stakeholders think and feel will be important in gathering wider support for any re-opening plans.
Commit. There are many excellent risk assessement templates, guidance documents etc. produced by church denominations, sector bodies and others, These can help you to work through the detail of what you need to do in order to re-open as safely as possible. Howeve, we are all feeling our way in very new situations and there is no foolproof ‘answer’ available in these sources. Ultimately, and after gathering all the evidence, advice and information you can access, your organisation has to make its own decision as to how to proceed based on your analysis of both the risks and the benefits.
Communicate Share the decisions and the actions you are taking to make re-opening possible. The more information people feel they have, the less they are likely to worry and the more likely they are to adhere to the ‘new normal’ actions you may need to put in place. There is an old saying in communication which reminds us that when we are sick and tired of repeating something, those listening will have probably just begun to take it in. Say it, put it on notices, post it on websites and indeed wherever else it will get seen and heard by those who need to know.
Check If and when you have re-opened, ensure you create time for all those involved to review how things are going and plan any changes that may be required. There will probably be things that, in the light of experience, you learn you can do better. Don’t be afriad to make any necesary changes, remenbering that this will mean working through the above process again. And, if you decide not to re-open at this stage, again set a time aside in the diary to review that decision.
If you would value support on process ot project management such as the above for your organisation, please contact me