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An Introduction to

Sustainable ExitS.J.Truelove (Dec 2007)

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Approach

Simple, sensible and transparent

Thinking about it now

Clear, consistent and repeatedcommunications to stakeholders at all

levels

Clear time bound plan in place that is clearon requirements and responsibilities

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Whats in a SustainableExit Strategy?

What do we mean by closure planning and Exit? Some terminology busting!

The two main approaches

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What is Closure Planning?

Closure Is:

Ending the concrete elements of the

programme. Departing administratively, HR,

Finance, assets etc

Closure = Office closure.

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What is Transition?

Transition is:The process of withdrawal

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What is Exit Planning?

A Strategy or plan for sustainability:

To keep all the hard won gains of theprogram secure

To keep benefits on-going in the long term

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Two Approaches to Exit:

Phasing Down & Handing Over:gradual reduction by transferring activitiesand using local organisations to sustain

programme benefits. Emphasis here oncapacity building and empowerment.

Phasing Out:

Withdrawal without handing over, ideallybecause permanent or self-sustainingchanges have occurred.

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But!Name of the game is

Legacy!

What do we want to leave behind?...

Think of who might follow?...

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Definitions of Exit.

Short and sweet:

Responsible Exit

Sustainable Pull-out

Programme transition

Withdrawal and wrap-up

Appropriate hand over for the long term.

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Long and loathsome!...

How the programme withdraws resources

while ensuring achievements are not

jeopardized

Responsible withdrawal once project

goals achieved

Improve the chances of sustainable

outcomes for the programme (for the people inthe long-term surely?)

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Beware!

Choose language and terms carefully!

Choose where you use Exit strategy with

care! Closure or exit have negative

connotations (loss of resources, uncertain future)

What are the alternatives???? PPP (post programme planning)

Euphemism

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A Good exit strategy can:

Reduce future dependency

Allow goals to be maintained and

sustained Reduce misunderstandings and avoid

conflict through communication.

Let communities know what to expect andprepare themselves

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Avoiding common pitfallsLack of communication can lead to:

Local communities look for short term gains (from

requests to looting)

Feeling betrayed and left out (from recrimination to

vandalism) Emergence of conflict within or between communities

and others (Gov, NS, staff)

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Avoiding common pitfalls

Leave it is as you left it!..clean up!

Dumping (assets to CBOs, MRC, IFRC)

Inappropriately prolonging financialinvolvement (salaries, maintenance payments etc)

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Beware!The island situation accentuates the difficulties

and problems of exit:

So much more visible

Isolation aspects intensify potentialproblems.

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From Introductions to Action.

Activity Mix yourselves up

Split into 6 groups

Brainstorm on to flip charts:

Key Factors for Sustainable Exit Try and categorise as you go

Feedback session on main lessons