Progress on the ARMS Strategic and Implementation Plan: Update to Members
We are pleased to share an update on progress against the ARMS Strategic Plan and its associated Implementation Plan, which was approved by the Board in September 2025. This update reflects activity to date and highlights how we are working with our Standing Committees and members to deliver on ARMS’ long‑term priorities.
A “live” Implementation Plan, shaped with our community
As ARMS’ Standing Committees commence their 2026 meeting cycles, the Executive Office has been actively engaging with each committee to discuss the Implementation Plan and its relevance to their work. Committees have been asked to:
Identify the priorities most relevant to their remit, and
Propose meaningful measures (KPIs) that demonstrate how their work supports the Society’s strategic objectives.
Importantly, the Implementation Plan is intended to be a living document. Committees are encouraged to provide feedback, suggest refinements, and propose new ideas as implementation progresses. This ensures the Plan remains responsive to members’ needs and the evolving research management environment. Feedback is being collated and will inform future Board discussions and updates to the Plan.
Progress against our strategic priorities
Below is a high‑level snapshot of progress across ARMS’ key strategic priorities.
Demonstrating the value of ARMS through advocacy, insight and engagement
Some activity in this space has been temporarily deferred to allow focus on Board‑approved priority work, particularly the Professional Development Review. However, important enabling work has progressed, including the establishment of a partnerships framework and completion of a new Marketing and Communications Plan.
ARMS has also continued to play an active advocacy role on behalf of members, contributing to a range of significant national consultations across 2025 and early 2026. These include submissions and responses relating to government reforms, national research impact initiatives, and science and research policy. Visit our advocacy page for the latest updates.
Embedding First Nations and Indigenous perspectives in research management
Good progress is being made against this priority. The Indigenous Engagement Working Group has now been established, with meetings scheduled throughout 2026 to progress key activities identified in the Implementation Plan. This work is central to ARMS’ commitment to culturally respectful research management practice and genuine engagement with First Nations peoples.
Elevating professional development for members
This priority has been a major focus over recent months. The Professional Development Review has dominated activity during this period and a comprehensive was presented to the Board at its 6 March meeting. The outcomes of this review will guide the future shape, structure and delivery of ARMS’ professional development offerings, ensuring they continue to meet members’ needs across career stages and roles. Refer to update article in this newsletter.
Broadening and diversifying ARMS membership
Work on a membership growth and diversification plan has been temporarily paused pending the outcomes of the Professional Development Review, recognising the close relationship between PD offerings and member value. In parallel, ARMS Regions are actively planning events for 2026 to support local engagement.
Internationally, efforts to deepen engagement continue. Progress on the INORMS Singapore 2029 bid remains on track, with a presentation delivered to the INORMS
Council on 25 March. The Society expects to receive the outcome of the bidding process by the end of April.
We will continue to keep members informed as this work progresses. Your engagement, whether through committees, regional activities, professional development or feedback, is critical to the success of the Strategic Plan and to the future of the Society.
