Measurement of social
benefits is a challenging task at the best of times. The quality of relationships
and social processes are extraordinarily important to PLAN. The challenge
is to quantify them without diminishing their depth and complexity. Some
things like peace of mind or passion seem to defy measurement yet they are
at the heart of PLAN. PLAN's social audit uses a framework to
break complex processes and activities into measurable parts. In total there
are:
-
4
goals to meet
- 9
elements to safeguard
- 19
aspects to analyze
- 110
performance indicators and
- 22
targets to achieve
Each part of the framework
is explained below.
PLAN's 4 SOCIAL
AUDIT GOALS:
- Strengthen relationships
across the organization
- Assess how well we
are living our core values
- Determine how effectively
we are serving members
- Explore how growth
and change are impacting the organization.
PLAN's social audit
was designed to contribute to on-going change and innovation, enhanced services
for members and increased trust throughout the organization and in the community.
9 KEY ELEMENTS
"What is essential
is invisible to the eye." — The Little Prince
The challenge inherent
in any evaluative process is to identify what contributes to an organization's
success in order to safeguard it. Evaluations typically identify issues
and problems that need to be addressed by an organization. However, before
changing anything, it is important to identify what should not change. In
other words, while issues and challenges should be addressed it should not
be done at the expense of what is working.
We have identified
nine key elements as being integral to the essence or spirit of PLAN. They
are what make PLAN effective and successful. These nine key elements represent
the foundation of PLAN's accountability framework and they inform what is
measured and reported on.
These key elements
are the life force of PLAN:
- Relationships
are at the heart of everything we do
- Peace
of mind for families
- Commitment
to family direction, leadership and accountability
- Leadership
and advocacy
- A
focus on contribution and citizenship
- Self-sufficiency
with an entrepreneurial spirit
- Dedicated
and passionate people
- Comfort
with ambiguity and risk
- A
contagious vision and a commitment to sharing our stories
PERFORMANCES MEASURES-
19 ASPECTS • 110 PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
In order to assess how well PLAN was performing in each of the key elements,
we developed 19 aspects (what should be measured) and 110 indicators (how
it would be measured). Four stakeholder focus groups informed our selection
of aspects and indicators. We gathered most of our data through surveys
that were tabulated by an independent consulting firm. The survey of people
at the centre was conducted and tabulated internally. In addition, we conducted
interviews and gathered internal data.
For the complete Social
Audit 9 Key Elements, 19 Aspects and 110 Indicators please click on the
image below.
TARGETS
In the 2002 Social Audit, PLAN's board responded to areas for
improvement identified in the social audit process and set 22
targets for 2004 that guided PLAN's strategic planning. The most
significant area for development was in the realm of funding and self-sufficiency.
In addition, PLAN set targets to increase its effectiveness in supporting
families to achieve the elusive goal of peace of mind. PLAN’s 2005 social
audit reports on those targets
and reports on new targets
for 2007.
SCOPE OF THE ACCOUNTABILITY
REPORT
This Accountability Report covers PLAN's core activities and operations.
Not covered in this Report are project-related work, the activities of PLAN
Institute and PLAN affiliates, and PLAN's environmental performance.
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