You're meeting a group for the
first time.
- What are the things you need to find out before you start
working with them?
- What level should you pitch your support?
- They came to you about funding, but can you be sure there's not
more to the story?
- What about agreeing an action plan? Or even an
agreement?
Health checks for groups (or
Organisational
health checks) are a commonly used tool for assessing a
group's current state and needs. They can help you to be systematic
and consistent about the questions you ask and the information you
record.
There are loads of health checks for groups being used by
development workers in local infratructure organisations. We've
collected a sample. While there are some common topics (for
instance: contact details, funding, governance and so on) they
range enormously in style, content and style. This reflects the
fact that development workers' jobs are so varied and
particular.
Have a look to be inspired to create - or improve - your own health
check form so that it's a really useful tool for you.
Other people's health checks
CASE Kent Health Check Sheet
Just over four sides long,
with 21 questions about the status and make-up of the group; 9
action planning boxes on topics including constitution, funding
appications, management committees etc.
Archway Connexions Development Team Group Action Plan
A
one-sided table including issues discussed, action points boxes,
and date of follow up meeting.
Archway Connextions Voluntary Sector Group Needs Analysis
Questionnaire
Six sides; with first page about the group's
details; and then yes/no tick boxes about "capacity build" issues
like legal structure and policies and procedures. Boxes for
comments and actions.
Nottingham CVS Organisational Agreement
A simple two sided "contract" covering work between consultants on
behalf of Nottingham CVS, and organisations.
Nottingham CVS Organisational Health Check 1
Simple five-sided check list with 19 main questions on
comprehensive range of subjects. Nottingham CVS uses this with
larger groups - it is based on PQASSO.
Nottingham CVS Change Management Service Organisational Health
Check 2
Five-sided initial questionnaire covers mainly contact and basic
information. Nottingham CVS use it with smaller groups, and it is
based on one used by their local authority.
Rugby CVS Organisational Health Check
A friendly four-sider that uses a quick traffic light system to
prioritise the areas of a group's development need most support.
Covers funding, strategic planning, governance, quality and
volunteering.
Stockport CVS - Towards Sustainability and Beyond!
A quick
two-sided series of statements about six topics for groups to
tick.
Voluntary Action Rotherham's Procurement Service Team Organisation
Health Check
Sixteen sides with many detailed questions on topics such as
governance, finance, health and safety requirements. Includes boxes
for evidence.
Warrington CVS Health Check
Twenty-one sides with nearly 100 questions on organisational
governance and management; finance; human resources; equal
opportunities; health and safety.
Things to think about
- Is it useable - will it help you with your work?
- Is it the right length? Is the balance between getting enough
detail and practical use about right?
- Is it user-friendly, not overly bureaucratic?
- How are you going to use it? Lots of people go through the form
with a group, but there might be times when it's a good idea to
leave it with them to finish without you
- How can you check that the people you're working with represent
the whole group?
- Will it work well for sharing information with other people in
your team or organisation?
Don't forget....