Assessing improvement
Why should you use this tool
This improvement guide provides the opportunity for large-scale programmes to self-assess whether they are applying best practice principles in adopting improvement as a method for design and delivery. The guide asks each programme to assess itself against five core components of large-scale design:
- aim
- content theory
- executive theory, measurement and learning
- communication and storytelling
Who should you use this tool
This use of this improvement guide should be led by a senior programme lead. We encourage this to be an inclusive process, involving a range of stakeholders to support a robust self-assessment taking into consideration varying perspectives, especially when considering how well the features are embedded. Please consider the operating framework and your role within this.
When to use this tool
This improvement guide can be used at any stage of the programme – new or established. It will provide a snapshot of the maturity position at a point in time. It is best to consider using as soon as possible as it will inform activities / approaches to be applied that are considered to be in line with best practice large-scale design for improvement, but this should be reviewed and updated as evidence can continue to be added which will likely adapt the maturity assessment.
How to use this tool
Step one: Go to the ‘Programme’ tab.
Step two: Work through the self-assessment features in column C and reflect on how your current programme design meets the requirement for large-scale improvement, capturing this in column E (examples are provided in column D).
Step three: Considering the intelligence this has provided, identify ways in which you could strengthen the design of the programme in order to enhance the way in which it is adopting the principles of large-scale improvement. Use column F to capture these which will be helpful when you choose to revisit this so you can clearly identify how and where you have implemented identified developments.
Step four: Share reflections / plans with your internal improvement expert, for peer review and any additional suggestions.
Points to consider before you start
- The guide has been developed in a way that it can be used across all programmes – irrespective of area or lifecycle position.
- The guide should be used to consider how improvement is embedded. All features are relevant irrespective of size and scale, but the lens through which they are considered will be tailored to each operating environment e.g. capability building will be shaped by your organisational offer. We have provided examples of the features we would expect to be present and included evidential markers that could demonstrate practical application.
- When considering vision, is it important to assure alignment to National as well as local priority objectives. There should be a cohesive thread with a clear read through to the strategic objectives – it is imperative that we work collaboratively to achieve our priority ambitions.
- The guide sits alongside the NHS IMPACT self-assessment. The self-assessment is targeted more towards an organisation / directorate audience, with the Improvement Guide targeted at programmes, as this provides a more granular perspective.
- There are a number of additional enablers in place to support your journey, at organisational level and beyond which may include opportunities for commercial and networking collaborations.