Draft Template for Network Annual Report

Transcription

1 Draft Template for Network Annual Report A suggested guide to preparing an annual report for networks

2 Introduction This is a suggested guide to preparing an annual report for networks and accompanies the Assurance and Evaluation Framework. An annual report should, ideally, be quick and easy to read, reflecting the interests of the target audience, acting either to rally the members, enthuse supporters or to take the message wider. Its main aim should be to illustrate the value of the network and form part of the ongoing evaluation that any network needs to be successful.

3 Preparation What purpose do you want the review to serve? report the ongoing value of the network motivate members raise profile attract funding validate resources

4 Preparation Who is it aimed at? members funders potential participants or supporters commissioners or providers patients and public

5 Preparation Can it provide evidence of benefits for staff, patients and public? clinical improvements improved quality of service cost or system efficiencies

6 Content The front page should include: name of the network a network brand/logo (if you have one) the period to which the report refers.

7 Content The annual report should include: foreword from network lead vision, mission and approach objectives, scope and context for network brief summary of main activities broad assessment impact of network plans for the future benefits to network members who is involved and how financial overview contact information

8 Foreword from the network lead If we think of networks as being about both hearts and minds, then the foreword is a chance to express the heart of the group and how it feels to be part of network. It should include: why the network was set up a reflection on the network s vision, mission, approach, objectives and scope key achievements and challenges a personal reflection on the impact of the network and plans for the next year praise or thanks where it is due, mentioning any supporters and why their contribution made a difference This narrative should reflect the broader content of the report which will further illustrate the impact, plans and benefits of the group.

9 Vision, mission and approach To be reflected in the foreword and throughout the entire document. a clear vision of why you are networking what your network wants to achieve how your network will achieve its goals

10 Objectives, scope and context what the network aims to do (with a particular focus on the year reported) where the boundaries of the network s work are and what it doesn t do why the network is necessary, outlining the context of the goals and the environment in which they are to be achieved

11 Brief summary of main activities Relate the following to your objectives: work undertaken by members general overview of meetings and events involvement of other groups, patients, public marketing and communications activity effective use of resources alliances with other networks problems encountered and how they were overcome include identified shortcomings or areas for improvement

12 Impact of network Describe: the issue that needed addressing evidence to support this resources or tools developed scope of change level of involvement measureable improvements

13 Impact of network Using your established measurements of before and after, provide an overview of where your network has improved the following: clinical outcomes quality of service working environment benefits to staff benefits to the patient/community cost efficiencies system efficiencies

14 Other suggested measurables growth in membership how engagement has been validated (eg member surveys) number of face to face meetings growth or reduction in spending on meetings and other network administration traffic figures (page views and visitors to site) other virtual activity (posts to forums)

15 Other suggested measurables press/ journal/official reporting coverage (press cuttings in the form of scans or hyperlinks would make a really good appendix, likewise journal articles or other official mentions of the network for example reports from NHS organisations or DH) attendance at shows etc speaking opportunities taken other marketing activity and evidence of its impact political impact (if appropriate), eg meetings with patrons or influential figures; their attendance at network meetings

16 Plans for the future an identified future need that your network wants to address, with a particular focus on the year ahead planned activities to meet that need desired membership, resources, funds, sponsors whether the network is ongoing, or a fixed-term project

17 Benefits to network members A description of how the members benefit through networking improved communication skills feeling of ownership and involvement personal development promotion or recognition increased levels of confidence highlighting personal strengths Include specific success stories and feedback from members

18 Who is involved and how where your members are from and what are they trying to achieve who supports your network and in what way who are your lead and coordinator. highlight specific successful partnerships or contributors another opportunity to boast and thank

19 Financial overview If you have spent money: how you are spending it how this relates to your objectives how you make decisions about what to support how this is justified

20 Contact information contact details should anyone want to join or support the network how to get hold of electronic copies of the report general enquiries website address acknowledge the author of the report NHS Networks would be delighted to publish your annual report. Please send to