National Autistic Society
The Challenge
For years, the National Autistic Society had been without a clear strategic direction. There was no north star to guide decision making, no clarity on why they exist, and a fear that they were becoming redundant. A lot of crucial work was happening across the organisation but its impact felt less than the sum of its parts.
Involving people with lived experience of autism the only way to bring confidence and clarity was to be led by what autistic people and their families needed from society and from the NAS. All autistic people needed to be heard, from all ages, backgrounds, and diagnoses.
We also had to build on the expertise of those outside the organisation, like other charities, medical professionals and journalists, to understand their perspective on where the NAS should focus. We combined insight, sector best practice, and future-gazing foresight research to create an articulation and blueprint of a society that works for autistic people, including the key milestones and outcomes to get there.
This Vision Blueprint then guided us as we worked with the executive leadership and trustees to create an organisational strategy to lay out the core beliefs, ambitions and principles that will guide the charity's work in the future.
The Impact
The Society Vision became the new north star for the National Autistic Society internally and externally and was launched at the European Autistic Congress in October 2022. It has been well-received by autistic audiences and partners, particularly the emphasis on autistic agency, collaboration and lifelong support.
The strategy was then translated into operational plans that set out the charity's work across departments for the next three years.
"I'm really excited about the vision and strategy work. What invigorates me the most is the insight we've got from autistic people and families. It feels like we're moving forward with a vision that is truly authentic and built for autistic people."
Caroline Stevens, CEO
"I can't say enough about Good Innovation. They've been outstanding to work with. This is the most significant piece of work we've done as an organisation in decades"
Peter Watt, Director of National Programmes