CIPMS |
- You do not know where you are going if you don't know where you have been. Setting targets isn't a random activity. Use what you have documented to analyze trends and set realistic goals. When trends change, analyze why – is it something within the agency's control or is it something the agency can/should respond to?
- Try to think ahead. What information are you likely to need in the coming months? What goals are you trying to achieve and what data will you need to demonstrate that you have met those goals? What are the likely next steps of the work you are doing now?
- Always keep the question “how do you know?” in mind. Whenever you cite a statistic or make a claim about what your program has accomplished, be prepared to answer that question.
- Also ask yourself “what do we want to know?” For example, what do your IMS numbers mean? It's not just about collecting data, it's about using it to improve your programming.
- Get organized. Set up a system and use it. Try coloured file folders, binders, an accordion file or whatever works for you. You can file by month, by referral source or by report type, but stay consistent. With time, the system will become second nature. (Note: many practitioners report that colour coding is very helpful!)
- Collect data as you go. Don't wait until the end of the year and try to gather it then. Ongoing data collection becomes a good habit and takes less work than trying to track what happened months ago. What might seem like a lot of work at first may well end up saving you time later.
- Start small. Set up targets and data collection processes that are manageable. As you become comfortable with the process, you can take on bigger challenges. You don't have to measure everything all at once or even every year. Set priorities and work towards them. Remember the CIPMS cycle!
- Keep it manageable for your agency. Achieving a fully functioning CIPMS will happen at different times depending on where an agency is starting from, number of staff, number of learners, etc. Remember that there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach or set of expectations.
- Use a team approach. Planning and evaluating isn't just one person's responsibility. Board members, staff, learners and volunteers can all be involved. Everyone needs to be on board and understand the benefits of CIPMS.
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