YorOK Induction Programme—managers FAQ’s
What is the YorOK Induction Self Assessment?
The on-line self assessment tool is available to all members of the YorOK workforce. The YorOk workforce includes anyone who’s role involves working with or for children, young people and families in York on a paid or unpaid basis. The purpose of this self assessment is to allow members of the Children and Young People workforce to assess their knowledge and understanding against six key areas that have been identified as important for members of the YorOK children and young people's workforce.
The purpose of the results is to provide useful additional information and resources that will support your staff within their role
The self assessment tool has been piloted across the children’s workforce during April 2010 and is now available to anyone within the YorOK workforce.
I already have an induction programme – what should I do?
Continue to follow your local induction programme, but ensure that that the YorOk induction is incorporated into your processes. All individuals should have the opportunity to engage with the YorOk Induction Progamme. The information received will be a useful tool for appraisal/PDR and continual professional development planning.
Is it just for new staff?
No, the induction is for all individuals to access. It will help individuals to understand how their role fits into the wider YorOk Children’s Trust arrangements. The induction is for all staff working with children, young people and families and is not targetted at specific roles.
How do people access the self assessment tool?
The self assessment tool is available on the yorOK website: www.yor-ok.org.uk/induction
How long will it take to complete the self assessment?
The self assesment itself should take no longer than 20 minutes to complete. However participants may need to allow a little more time to look at the resources and information generated through their results. These will also be emailed to them (and to their manager where requested) so that they can view them at a later date. Please encourage members of your team to complete the self assessment within working hours where possible.
What do the results mean?
Upon completion of the assessment individuals will be shown a RAG (red, amber, green) assessment of their current knowledge, and be directed to appropriate information, resources and training which can be undertaken as part of ongoing continuing professional development. This will be emailed directly to the participant and will be available to access at a later date to evaluate and demonstrate the development of their skill, knowledge and understanding.
Participants will also have the option to email a copy of the results to their managers/development workers. Please discuss this with your team member prior to completion if you would like a copy of this sending for your records and personal development planning.
What if the results come back as rated “red”?
It is important to remember that most participants will require additional knowledge. In some cases, participants may be rated “red” on all six sections. This may be due to the nature of the role and will be the case for many people in the workforce. This is not something to be concerned about. Please highlight the key priority areas for each individual role. It may be that some areas will remain low as they are not applicable for the role.
The self assessment identifies areas that are important across the whole of the children and young people's workforce. The purpose of the results is to provide useful additional information and resources that will support and develop individuals within their role.
What next?
To complement the self assessment a multi agency introductory session has also been developed. The session is entitled “Welcome to YorOK”. The purpose of this session is to give an overview of the YorOk Children’s Trust and to explore how your role fits into the wider workforce in York, together with an opportunity to network with other colleagues from other organisations and sectors. In brief the session will cover the following aspects:
- Overview of YorOK
- How and where decisions are made
- Delivering the Children and Young People's Plan - including key areas of work, key local contacts and how to find out more.
- Assessing your knowledge against the YorOK induction self assessment
How often will the sessions be held?
The introductory sessions will be held throughout the year at different venues and times across the city. Book a place online or contact the Training & Development Unit on 01904 553017.
Please encourage your employees to book on this session to gain a thorough understanding of the YorOK Children’s Trust and their role as part of this. It will also be a valuable opportunity to spend time learning from other colleagues.
Who to contact for further information
If you have any queries, with regards to either the self assessment tool or the introductory session, please contact Kate Helme, Strategic Workforce Development Officer on 01904 554358 or email kate.helme@york.gov.uk
