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.
22
TARGETS
PLAN's
board has responded to areas for improvement identified in the social
audit process and has set 22 targets
for 2004 that will guide PLAN's strategic planning. The
most significant area for development is in the realm of funding and
self-sufficiency. In addition, PLAN has set targets to increase its
effectiveness in supporting families to achieve the elusive goal of
peace of mind. PLAN will undertake its
next social audit in 2004.
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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