Evaluation

We provide a range of specialist evaluation services, including: -
 
 
* Evaluations of governance, management structures and systems
 
* Evaluations of quality and standards within services
 
* Evaluations of skill mix and staffing level analysis / budgetary appropriateness
 
* Value for money studies
 
* Comprehensive evaluations that combine several or all of the above evaluations

* Evaluations of public funded projects, i.e. ACCEL , POBAL

* Evaluations of service compliance with/or preparation for national standards

We have a strong focus on developmental evaluations, which involve consulting the users of the service, staff, management and other relevant stakeholders. A further component of our evaluations is the auditing of standards and structures to help determine good practice and identify areas for improvement. Our evaluations are based on drawing comparisons with international best practice and published literature in the relevant area.
 
In carrying out over 50 major evaluations of services, we have consistently found this participatory and developmental approach to be most effective in assisting organisations in improving and progressing their service. We often continue our relationship with organisations by providing follow-up consultancy support and training services in line with their identified needs.  
 

Summary of the main evaluations that we have carried out
 
* Comprehensive evaluation of Psychology and Social Work Services provided in one Health Board area

* Equity audit across a large health service provider (2004)

* Evaluation of a number of social care services (2005)

* Evaluation of an Occupational Therapy Service (2005)

* Evaluation of an acute private hospital (2005)
 
* Evaluation of the implementation of the Care Programme Approach for Mental Health service users in 2 services in the United Kingdom
 
* Evaluation of the governance, management structures and systems of 11 health and disability services

* Evaluation of a Rape Crisis Centre (2005)
 
* Evaluation of policy and procedure development in several acute hospital services (2004)
 
* Evaluation of 17 day services and resource centres
 
* Evaluation of 12 residential and respite facilities
 
* Financial Evaluations of 5 services

Testimonial

"Organisational evaluations are sensitive and anxiety provoking experiences for all concerned and for obvious reasons. Intellectual Disability services do not have a good "Track Record" for encouraging external reviews of their operations.

With the increased emphasis on "Consumer Rights" however, this will change. This current and increasing focus on both service quality and Individual Outcomes, within the Intellectual Disability Sector is welcome.

In my experience, having recently been through quite an extensive review and evaluation of all our day services and a number of our residential services, Joe Wolfe & Associates have handled this potentially difficult time with expertise and the utmost professionalism. Feedback from all participants in this process has been extremely positive.

Joe Wolfe & Associates worked collaboratively with all stakeholders - Clients, Families, Staff and Others (as appropriate) in all service areas - in the compilation of a comprehensive report and work plan framework.

The organisation is now in receipt of a very detailed set of recommendations, which - as they are implemented over the coming months and years - will ensure that we continue to offer the optimum Quality of services to our clients.

I am indebted to Joe Wolfe & Associates and I am happy to recommend their services to any Human Service Organisation contemplating a review.

I wish Joe Wolfe & Associates every success in the future".

David Kieran

Chief Executive , St. Anne's Services