Employees are evaluated periodically. Why not programs and the agency itself? Evaluate work being done with an Evidence-Based Performance Report Card. What you measure gets attention.
Use evaluations to point you confidently in the direction you ought to go. Other uses of an organizational evaluation are;
develop and assess key results
develop and implement action plans
monitor implementation through process evaluation
uncover and more clearly articulate which challenges to tackle, actions to take, and why, plus
determine where opportunities lie ahead
Our services can help leadership leverage the power of proven methods, and resources for the immediate and long-term benefit of all involved. Furthermore, third party evidence-based evaluations help to provide objective answers that help improve agency operations, and manage resistance to change.
The following sections will introduce you to our key assessment services; Organizational Evaluation Report Cards, Organizational Certification, and Program Reviews.
Report Card: Evidence-Based Organizational Development
We recommend periodic EB organizational reviews. To accomplish this data is gathered from staff using an online tool. We then utilize data gathered to assess the organization so as to produce a report on the degreee the agency is evidence-based, and make recommendations. An organization is then able to use the report for ensuring that decisions being made are data-driven as much as is possible.
As an independent evaluator we objectively assess work being done and examine the degree to which results line-up with your (and your funders') intended outcomes. We then produce a comprehensive report card reflecting our findings and make recommendations.
Our efforts focus on the five areas of evidence-based organizational development and effectiveness:
Knowledge and use of evidence-based policies, programs, and practices.
Demonstration of effective organizational leadership.
Understanding of organizational culture and use of organizational assessment.
Utilization of effective strategic planning, performance measurement, and program evaluation.
Ongoing efforts to enhance organizational capacity and sustainability.
Funders often require evaluation exercizes such as this to help them;
Determine the extent agencies they oversee are evidence-based
Utilize findings and recommendations in the design of data-driven funding strategies and initiatives, and
Disburse funds efficiently while insuring efforts are agency specific for targeted capacity building.
You could also use our reports to determine what on-site training and capacity building you need for shoring up operational gaps that may be hampering progress. Checkout insights from others below like you and how it benefitted them.
Because our report card process is designed and executed in alignment with basic evaluation principles, it benefits you in several ways. For instance:
Utility: Ensures you are collecting credible, useful and timely information. An effective evaluation helps you determine what is working and how. It also informs decision-making to address current realities, make needed adjustments, or discontinue an effort altogether
Feasibility: Prioritizes evaluation that is practical, cost-effective and politically viable
Propriety: Accounts for legal and ethical standards governing an evaluation process. Careful consideration is given for all involved and for others who might be impacted
Accuracy: Relates to the rigor of your evaluation plan, data collection methods and willingness to report the bad just as much as the good. Data gathered must be accurate to both be useful and ensure your organization’s credibility.
Becoming Certified in Evidence-Based Leadership (CEBL) and as an Organizational (CEBO) is the logical next step beyond the standard evaluation and report card.
Joyfields Institute will train and guide organizations and their staff through the process of becoming certified under standards established by the Society for Evidence-Based Professionals (ebpsociety.org). The standards are driven by methods for (i) systematically building leadership capacity for building evidence-based organizations (EBO), while (ii) recognizing abilities and accomplishments the organizations themselves demonstrate in the area of evidence-based policies, programs, and practices.
Certification requirements are the same for all types of agencies and organizations. The following five areas are emphasized:
Knowledge and use of evidence-based policies, programs, and practices
Demonstrating effective leadership
Organizational culture and assessment
Strategic planning, performance measurement, and program evaluation
Building capacity and sustainability
Note: If you're planning on attending any of our Evidence-Based Pathways training live in person, onsite at your location, or on-demand self-paced program, we highly recommend getting the process started as the EBO Masterclass is a pre-requisite for certification.
"It has helped us with successful grant writing, building a donor base for fund development, and in recruiting and hiring qualified staff. It has benefited our organization by “clearly” signaling to those we work with what our values are and what is required if you collaborate with us. We have seen successful outcomes for our clients and their families. It is exciting to hear our staff now talk about success stories with their clients, interest in new training opportunities, and future programs and services related to emerging research and best practices."
"I would say that helping to change the “culture” in our county about service delivery has been our most successful accomplishment. I would simply like to express my sincere appreciation to Joyfields Institute. With their help, we have raised the level of service to those we supervise by providing better rehabilitative opportunities, increasing public safety, and accountability to victims. it has allowed our department to set a standard in our county for policy development and program procurement. The expectation of all those we work with is that EBP must be a part of our collaboration. It has also raised our standing with our Board of Supervisors and Law Enforcement partners."
"The training was spot on! It was just what we needed and at the right time. It was as if someone had read my mind!"
Program Review Service
Are you utilizing a training program you are not sure if its evidence-based (EB)? Are your people running a program at your agency that you just not sure if its a valid EB program? Do you sometimes wonder if a program you are considering is evidence-based?
Our review service enables agencies to have their training modules reviewed by an independent 3rd party and determine the degree to which it adheres to evidence-based frameworks.
We collaborate with you to review programs you may be considering, or are currently utilizing for delivering services. We then summarize our findings and provide existing research to support (or not support) your use of that programs. Specifically, we will:
Read and review the reference material from the individual program
Analyze the references and provide feedback as to their suitability and effectiveness
Locate specific research, academic and scientific, that further supports the practice being evidence-based versus a promising practice
We will also provide further guidance via phone or email during the contract phase regarding the curriculum contents.