ABSTRACT
Overview of the multi-agency selfevaluation process, auditing and action planning There are four key stages in the multi-agency self-evaluation process. Stage 1: auditing current multi-agency practice. This stage entails an audit of multi-agency policy and practice being undertaken by the designated senior member of staff, in partnership with those who are on the working party or task group, using the multi-agency self-evaluation framework. This will enable a view to be formed as to whether current policy and practice is emergent (in the early stages), developing (work is in progress) or embedded (fully in place), in relation to all the elements for each of the nine aspects of multiagency working. Stage 2: action planning. This stage entails producing an action plan, which identifies the aspects and elements of multi-agency working that require further action in order to move them from emergent and developing to become embedded. Stage 3: collecting evidence and monitoring progress. This stage entails carrying out the necessary actions and activities in order to improve – and meet all the elements of – the nine aspects of multiagency working. A portfolio is compiled which brings together all the evidence required to meet the nine aspects of multi-agency working. Regular and ongoing monitoring of progress provides the necessary checks and balances in the multi-agency self-evaluation process.
Stage 4: evaluation and assessment. This is the final stage in reviewing and reflecting on the overall multi-agency self-evaluation process. For those education settings or services who wish to achieve an award in recognition of their good practice in multiagency working, it also entails undergoing an external assessment on-site for half a day, and an off-site assessment of the multi-agency portfolio of evidence. Figure 2.1 illustrates the stages of the multiagency self-evaluation process.
