This November, PBS FM is putting the call out for Expressions of Interest in our Strategic Planning Refresh.
Overview
PBS FM is calling for Expressions of Interest from experienced facilitators to lead a strategic planning process, informed by its community and stakeholders, over the coming months. This paper provides guidance to applicants interested in providing contract services to PBS, as the basis for further conversation and assessment.
Background
Progressive Broadcasting Services (PBS FM) is one of Melbourne’s leading community media organisations and the only radio station in Melbourne licensed to provide specialist music programming. PBS has a proud 42-year history of supporting a thriving music scene in Melbourne, amplifying locally produced music and bringing its audience music not heard through other media outlets. This work is supported by approximately 120 volunteers, 13 FTE staff, around 14k members, a network of sponsors and supporters and an audience of approximately 340k listeners each week.
PBS has recently moved its broadcast and office facilities to Collingwood Yards, providing a new opportunity for growth and engagement between the media organisation and the community. A transition of leadership has seen the station welcome a new General Manager in July 2022. Together with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the music and arts industry, an evolving media landscape and audience device preferences and new opportunities for revenue emerging in the media space; the scene is set for an overdue review of PBS’ strategic vision and priority actions.
Scope
The strategic planning process presents an opportunity to strengthen community engagement with PBS and to ensure the organisation is best serving the community. This will include exploring Melbourne's creative and community networks which PBS currently has and can build upon. As such, consultants will be expected to include a broad range of views from PBS’ members, stakeholders, sponsors, volunteers and Board, staff, the music community and where relevant, policy-makers, other media and arts industry and/or influential individuals and organisations operating within or alongside PBS’ eco-system.
Expressions of Interest should consider:
- processes for ensuring diverse perspectives contributing to the strategic plan;
- the community of interest the radio station is licensed to serve;
- the regulatory and policy environment in which PBS operates (particularly as a not-for-profit co-op);
- the technology and media landscape;
- the range of people and partners that contribute to PBS’ dynamic culture; and
- future growth opportunities to ensure ongoing organisational sustainability.
Consultants may utilise (but are not limited to): surveys, direct interviews, in-person workshop session/s, written input and/or feedback.
It is expected that a draft version of the Strategic Plan 2023-2026(ish) be circulated to the Board for feedback prior to completion, which may include a closed session with Board and senior staff.
Timeframe
This process is expected to take around 5 months from November 2022 to March 2023 broadly reflecting the milestone schedule below:
- November: Consultant confirmed, engagement plan reviewed.
- December-January: broad community input to key priorities and concepts.
- January: Consultation period
- February: Draft plan workshopped with Board and senior staff
- March: Draft plan circulated to contributors and stakeholders for feedback
- End March: Finalise and publish adopted plan, end of March Board meeting.
Key Deliverables
1. Engagement plan outlining steps to achieve a strong consultative process
2. Board workshop and consolidation of feedback
3. Publishable 3-5 year Strategic Plan document
4. Implementation guide and/or tracking mechanism
5. Accompanying written report outlining key elements of the process, trends emerging from discussions, key considerations and a full list of all individuals consulted. Should any written materials or surveying be undertaken, unidentified raw data will be supplied to PBS at the conclusion of the contract.
What to include
Expressions of interest should broadly outline:
- Your previous strategic planning experience, with examples of previous clients where relevant/possible;
- Proposed actions to achieve the deliverables above;
- Your connection to the media and/or not-for-profit sectors;
- Your experience with a spectrum of media platforms, digital communication and other social mediums
- Your knowledge of PBS or the wider music and community broadcasting sectors
- Any business development experience that might be relevant to this project; and
- A detailed project budget.
How to submit
Expressions of Interest should be emailed to Jurgen Schaub via chair@pbsfm.org.au by COB on Friday 18th November.
If you have questions or require further information, please contact Jurgen Schaub, Chair, at the above email address.
