The Crisis Appreciation and Strategic Planning (CASP) process is a repeatable, strategic-level planning method. 

We developed it and put it into operation to respond to the growing threat of complex and potentially catastrophic crises in Australia. 

It was designed by: 

• drawing on military appreciation and human-design thinking 
• being hazard agnostic
• using and refining during real-world disaster and crisis management responses and recovery operations.

The CASP uses a structured method to integrate and analyse information from multiple sources. It helps by:

• building situational awareness
• interpreting complex situations 
• undertaking operational strategic foresight and planning and,
• developing a shared understanding of incident priorities and efforts.

How do we undertake a CASP process?

The process is undertaken in four main steps. First, we seek to understand the situation and investigate the impacts of a crisis at any one point in time. 

We consider different elements that impact a crisis, including, but not limited to, the:

• social
• economic
• security and,
• environmental.

The second step involves further analysis to develop strategic incident priorities and lines of effort. 

The third and fourth steps of the process are designed to allocate tasks in order to achieve the lines of effort and to execute the plan.

The CASP is undertaken by specialists that bring together the relevant skills, knowledge and experience needed. Planning officers, intelligence and data specialists, and subject matter experts help make up the small team. 

A broader group of stakeholders can later be called to validate assumptions, answer big questions, or provide input on specific efforts.

When is a CASP process put into action? 

We undertake a CASP process to understand potential consequences and prepare to support a response.

The process allows us to identify if there is a requirement for Australian Government involvement in a disaster or crisis.  

The CASP allows for the alignment of diverse organisational responsibilities, cultures and structures. It’s flexible and adaptable. If done well, it can provide a vision, intent, clear roles, and a unity of effort. The process can be adapted to develop various products. 

These include:

• briefing dashboards
• reports
• exercise materials,
• and tasking orders.

CASP capability uplift

CASP is an identified capability within the Australian Government Crisis Management Framework (AGCMF).

We’re currently uplifting CASP capability. This will integrate CASP methodology in all hazards crisis management. It will also support a nationally consistent approach to strategic planning, and improve how key stakeholders can work together.

Resources

Read more in the CASP Guidebook (PDF 6MB).

Find out more about the Australian Government Crisis Management Framework on the PM&C website.