Focus Group Tool
Identify high-level actions
When to use
Focus Group 2, Session 4
Purpose
To develop a shortlist of high-level actions that will achieve the long-term
outcomes developed in Session 3, recognising the natural constraints for
an NHRI – capacity, resources including budget and political context.
Time
45 mins
Resources
Large sheets of paper or whiteboard, Sticky notes, marker pens, pre-prepared
definition of high-level actions
Timing
Activity
5 minutes
Setting the scene
Explain the purpose of the exercise - to develop high-level actions that will achieve
the long-term outcomes established in the previous session.
Overview the definition of a high-level action:
•A
broad, strategic step that outlines what needs to be done to move toward
an outcome.
10 minutes
Small group brainstorm
Divide participants into groups – one group per long-term outcome.
Ask them to brainstorm (on sticky notes) high-level actions needed to achieve that
outcome.
Emphasise that actions should be strategic, realistic, within the NHRI’s influence
and recognised constraints such as:
• Limited staff capacity
• Lack of budget
• Political context
Write one action per sticky note.
Questions for groups:
• What actions will get us closer to this outcome?
• What does success look like, and how do we get there?
• What must change — internally or externally — to achieve this?
• Are there others working in this space we can collaborate with?
Gender Strategy Toolkit 2026
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