What is self-assessment of agency effectiveness all about?

The self-assessment tool is basically a structured dialogue where colleagues support colleagues. The assessment process is led by a trained facilitator and uses a panel of colleagues or experts to comment on strengths, weaknesses, improvement opportunities etc. The assessment exercise is also eased by a software tool that facilitates the information gathering, storing and reporting done during a self-assessment.

By introducing and using common reference models and concepts, the assessment process enables experiences to be shared among staff at the agency. But not only that, sharing a common assessment model that uses common concepts opens up for the possibility to invite partners from other agencies - nationally or international - to help review, comment and improve the design, implementation and evaluation of programmes.

The self-assessment tool has been developed by people working as programme managers in different countries. As a result, the tool set is flexible and easily adapted to the needs and context of specific funding agency.

When should you use it?

The self-assessment tool can be used in a flexible way, adapted to the needs and operations of an agency. The assessment may address one or several phases of the programme cycle and can be applied to different circumstances, e.g. when an agency wants to assess and improve:

• the design and realisation plan of a new programme before it is launched (a valuable ex-ante exercise)
• the execution of one or multiple phases in an on-going programme
• the management and use of a certain class of programmes (e.g. programmes stimulating R&D in SMEs or commercialisation of academic R&D results).

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