It is good practice to engage all parties when developing operating plans, including seeking their input and feedback on the timing and contents of the plans. This engagement should begin in the planning stage, but continue during implementation as the plans become further fleshed out and operationalised. Contingency planning should also be reviewed. Maintain flexibility in the plans.

Bringing in donors, decision makers and implementing organisations at this preparatory stage will help them to understand the context better, and will help to generate a common understanding of the likelihood of changes of context and needs in the project areas.