Following the initial test phase we have produced a range of resources to support partnerships in the second phase of testing. These are designed to complement the Needs Assessment Tool and can be used together or drawn on individually, depending on where you are in the process.
The resources have been developed by the Improvement Service, in partnership with initial testing areas, in consultation with councils and partners, to provide guidance, tools and templates to support each stage of a needs assessment.
As well as guides for each stage of the process, we have practical templates to support engagement, data gathering and analysis, and case studies from partnerships who tested the approach, showing how it can work in practice.
If you have any queries about the toolkit or require word document versions to enable adaptations for local use, please contact vaw@improvementservice.org.uk
Tool Overview
This Needs Assessment Tool document is a short introduction to the Needs Assessment Tool, including its aims, the questions it covers, and how the five stages below fit together. This is a good starting point before you begin.
1. Scoping and set-Up
A practical guide to setting up your needs assessment, covering governance structures, subgroups and steering groups, engaging consultants, and project planning.
2. Building the evidence base
This Engagement Guide provides guidance on choosing the right methods for gathering qualitative data, including advice on working with survivors and lived experience participants.
3. Analysis and synthesis
This Data and Analysis Guide provides guidance and frameworks to help you make sense of the qualitative and quantitative data you've gathered and bring it together into a coherent picture of local need.
4. Reporting and next steps
The Reporting and Next Steps Guide provides guidance on structuring your final report, analytical frameworks to draw on, and how to turn findings into a practical action plan.