Quality in the AEGI

1. Quality in the AEGI Strategic Planning Niamh Mernagh – Senior Inspector DES

2. Looking at not looking for! • How is our AEGI going to deliver the best service possible to our target groups? • How are we going to use the available resources both physical and human to achieve this aim? • How will our AEGI link successfully with the VEC and outside groups/ agencies? • How are we going to plan to make best use of our time and resources?

3. Code of Principals • Accessibility and equality for clients • Promotion of AEGI • Team approach • Integration of service with education and training • Quality of information and of • service provided

4. Mission and aims Working within the ambit of the VEC plan Focussing as a team on agreed priorities Using time and resources wisely Building a team approach Find solutions for obstacles Self evaluation Process Defining roles Assessing resources Planning: Long term goals Short term Goals Planning actions Assessing outcomes Internal review Planning

5. Planning • Deciding as a team on plan for year • Settings goals and agreeing time frames and priorities • Using the data base for last quarter/ 6 months as a guide for targets and evaluating the progress made • Documenting plans • Reviewing plan and setting new or revised targets

6. Group exercise • Work in four groups. At the end of the group work, findings will be shared with the big group including general discussion and questions. • Each group will swiftly read through their own Quality Checklist (you each have a copy in your pack) (10 minutes for this); • Each group will receive one section of the AEGI Guidance Services Quality Checklist; • Nominate: one person to chair your group; one person to record on the master document; one person to keep a check on time spent.

7. Topics for discussion • Group One will then make additions and/or write comments on the master sheet provided on the following section:- • Confidential; accessible; impartial; freely available; publicised widely; monitored and evaluated effectively (15 minutes for this) • In relation to your section:- a) identify the key areas and challenges which require consideration in relation to strategic planning and quality assurance; • b) Suggest some suitable internal review mechanisms for the AEGI Services. (15 minutes for this)

8. Group Two will make additions and/or write comments on the master sheet provided on the following section:- Staffing; Staff Development; Premises; Equipment; Materials (15 minutes for this); • In relation to your section:- a) identify the key areas and challenges which require consideration in relation to strategic planning and quality assurance and • b) consider the significance of the team in the AEGI? (15 minutes for this)

9. Topics for discussion • Group Three will make additions and/or write comments on the master sheet provided on the following section:- Ways of Offering Guidance: in all activities; with information; in subsequent action; client feedback and follow-up; (15 minutes for this); • In relation to your section:- a) identify the key areas and challenges which require consideration in relation to strategic planning and quality assurance and • b) consider the importance of seeing the client as self-directed and solution focussed. (15 minutes for this)

10. Topics for discussion • Group Four will make additions and/or write comments on the master sheet provided on the following section:- Networking/linking with other agencies including: information collection and dissemination; referral; feedback on unmet education needs; outreach; staff development (15 minutes for this); • In relation to your section:- a) identify the key areas and challenges which require consideration in relation to strategic planning and quality assurance and • b) consider key issues pertaining to the integration of AEGI in the VEC/WITand AEGI’s relationship with other Services/Agencies. (15 minutes for this)