Note by moderator: Eearlier discussions about this project took place here on the forum:
forum.susana.org/10-announcements-regard...form-project-updates

++++++++++++++

Dear SuSanA members,

On behalf of the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), the SuSanA Gates Project Consortium and the Project Advisory Board we would like to bring you up to speed with the progress made in this development project and update you on the changes aimed at supporting and strengthening SuSanA. The project set out to achieve the following three key outcomes:
1. Improved use of SuSanA Platform by identified target groups, through a clear communications plan and platform improvements.
2. Demonstrable improvements in the impact that use of the SuSanA platform has on members' work in sanitation.
3. Strengthened governance and institutional sustainability of SuSanA as reflected in an operational plan that includes a plan for funding the budget needed to assure the future of SuSanA.

To deliver the above, the project carried out a “user experience study” which led to revamping of the SuSanA website and Forum (forum.susana.org/10-announcements-regard...dy-into-action#21078 ). The other important undertaking during year one was the stakeholders’ market study (forum.susana.org/10-announcements-regard...dates?start=36#23306 - Arno's post from 28 November 2017 in this thread) which was successfully completed leading to the development of a SuSanA Communications Plan with several annexes stemming from the market study work (see attached). Following a review of progress at the Gates Foundation in Seattle in October 2017 (after one year from the project start) a new and robust general strategy and “business plan” for SuSanA was pulled together (see attached). This exercise included developing a Theory of Change and Value Propositions for SuSanA. Finally a workplan was put together to implement much of the new strategy starting in 2018.

Indeed this process of internal development was new and enlightening for all involved with SuSanA and we feel very proud about how successful this has been in terms of providing SuSanA with a clear path for the future. The final part of the project will now focus on an organizational study and further improvements in the interface between users and the websites introducing more detailed user profiles, so-called “personas” -one of the recommendations from the communications plan. The present project with Gates Foundation support was originally meant to continue to September 2019 but will come to an end one year early in Sept 30, 2018. The main reason for this is to try to accelerate the process of change within SuSanA. In September 2018 there will be further recommendations regarding organization, governance and funding.* We hope then to be able to provide SuSanA with several new opportunities for its further development.

We invite any Forum members and SuSanA partners to comment on the work thus far.

Yours sincerely,
Simon/Arno


Attachments:
Communications Plan and Annexes
SuSanA Strategy

* See also in this thread: "Shaping SuSanA's Future - an invitation for feedback from all members", forum.susana.org/10-announcements-regard...ack-from-all-members