Making peer review work for you

Many organisations in the last 10 years have used some form of peer challenge as part of their preparation for inspection. To be truly successful however there is a need for Peer Review to:

• Be properly integrated into the ‘normal planning and improvement cycle’ to ensure that the outcome drives future improvement;
• Develop reports and self-assessment documentation which can be used to communicate what works well where and why across the organisation to staff and stakeholders driving improved understanding and confidence in the Authorities approaches;
• Inform future business and service planning at all levels; and,
• Enable us to prepare for future challenge and demonstrate capacity to improve.

Don't let the external drivers take priority

In our experience over the last 10 years too many of our clients have been driven by the external drivers and have failed to realise the benefits of the activity and gain true value beyond a satisfactory rating or judgement being made!

Integrating peer review into normal operations

On this basis it will be important that future Peer Review activity is planned, managed and delivered in a structured and systematic way to ensure full integration into normal operations. We believe it will be critical to:

• Ensure the Review team are well prepared, briefed and supported through the process to ensure they are able to add as much value as possible to the recipient of the Peer review;
• Maintain a regular dialogue throughout the process to ensure that the emerging issues are identified ‘in process’ and that all appropriate evidence is subject to challenge;
• Report on the findings accurately and be prepared to contribute to the improvement part of the process leading to recommendations on how the issues identified could be addressed;
• Develop robust findings that clearly identify ‘what works well where and why’ in order that good practice is recognised and to inform future process benchmarking; and,
• Remain focused on the needs and expectations of the people that deliver and receive your respective services in order that the process and related outcomes enable positive change and improvement in relation to the things you do for your people and the services that you provide.

(by Chris Geyton)

 To book an EiB Peer Review or discuss how we can assist your Authority please contact Claire Robinson – 01642 661940 or claire.robinson@excellenceinbusiness.com