I NVOLVING CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE IN COMMISSIONING (T OOLKIT )

 What is monitoring?  What is quality?  Why do we conduct monitoring and quality assurance?  What tools do we use to monitor?  Group-exercise – monitoring  What do we monitor?  What evidence do we need for monitoring?  How do we conduct quality assurance? – Group work exercise

Monitoring:  Is the routine and systematic collection of information against a plan. The information may be about activities, products or services affecting the organisation/project

Quality:  A set of designed activities that aim to improve the organisation and its service  Quality is essentially about learning what you are doing well and doing it better. It is also about finding out what you may need to change to make sure you meet the needs and interests of the users

 Once a contract has been awarded, it is essential to ensure monitoring and quality assurance is conducted to ensure:  Targets are being met (value for money)  Quality is being maintained  Services are being delivered effectively and appropriately  Users needs are being met

 Monthly meetings  Monthly submission of data capture sheets  One contract manager for duration of the contract  Provide support  Effective partnership working  Involvement of young people is essential when monitoring

 Discuss and list as a group what parts of the service you think should be monitored. Discuss why this is important

 Safeguarding for Children & Young People (crbs)  Policies & Procedures  Young People’s Involvement (Planning, delivering, evaluation, democratic processes/decision making)  Achieving targets set  Financial expenditure  Data & recorded outcomes  Development plans  Staff development and training

 Development Plans  Session Plans  Self Evaluation  User Evaluation  Media reports  Project files  Attendance Sheets  Programme Sheets  Minutes and Reports  QA Frameworks/Charter Mark

 As part of the monitoring schedule, it is paramount we implement quality. We do this by conducting a QA visit on every contract (visit during working hours)  Discuss and list as a group what parts of the service you think should be quality assured during the visit. Discuss why this is important

 QA Visits involves:  Talking to Children & Young People to collate their thoughts/views and assess their involvement in decision making  Talking with Staff – To assess if they have access to training, supervision and has knowledge of government legislation (ECMs)

 Buildings – Are they accessible for all young people? Are there clear exit signs? Are there fire extinguishers available? Is young people’s work displayed? Do young people know how to get out of the building in an emergency? Are fire drills conducted? Is it comfortable and young people friendly? What is the space available like?

 A better understanding of your organisation  A better understanding of what does or does not work  Improvements in services  Organisation becomes staff and user friendly/orientated

 Improvements in staff retention and development  More effective resource deployment  Funding applications and monitoring reports become stronger  Performance levels can be evidenced  External recognition or validation

 It is essential that the contract is reviewed and evaluated at the end of every year to ensure:  Children & Young People’s needs are still being met  It continues to align to Government Targets  It achieves value for money

 Staffing issues/changes are highlighted and resolved  To cater for any legislative changes  To ensure effective partnerships are in place  To improve outcomes/outputs

 PRODUCED BY HELEN DEVINE (BA HONS MCIPS) NORTHAMPTONSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL 2009