Learning and improving

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The quality action plan

Once you have completed your self-assessment or external assement and areas for improvement have been agreed, these can then be prioritised and an action plan drawn up. Action plans include what needs to be done, who will do it, how it will be done, and when.

Implementing action plans

It is helpful for quality action plans to be linked to other organisational plans, so that action can be prioritised and budgets agreed. It is important to:

• identify each stage of a task
• delegate responsibility to an indentified person or people
• have a realistic timetable
• keep a written record of action.

Reviewing progress

The review stage is important, and it can be carried out at points during the life of the action plan. This will help keep improvements on track, and point up any difficulties.

The quality cycle

Assessing and improving quality is not a one-off process. It is part of the management of the organisation, involving a cycle of reviewing, learning and improving.

Description of the diagram

The quality cycle covers the following stages:

• plan
• agree on standards
• carry out self assessment
• prioritise
• draw up action plans
• implement agreed action
• review action.

When you complete the final stage in the process, the cycle begins again.

Keeping records for quality assessments

It will be important to have the evidence needed for a quality assessment easily available. Some organisations keep a quality assurance folder for all their key policies and procedures. Copies of other monitoring information can also be filed together so that it is accessible when needed.

Have your say

How effectively have you learned from quality assessments you've done in the past? Could your experiences help someone else going through the same process?

Share your knowledge by starting a discussion on the Improving performance forum.