Table 3 Capacity assessment framework best practices, industry standards and ClASS practices classification
Capacity assessment framework best practices, industry standards and ClASS practices classification | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Component | Best practice | Industry standard | ClASS practice classification | |
A | Purpose and Expected Outcomes | • All parties share an understanding on the purpose of the capacity assessment (define strengths and needs) and how the results will be utilized (develop a capacity building plan). | Best Practice | |
|  | • Prior to initiating the assessment process, the funder defines future support available to implement the capacity building plan (available technical assistance, funding, etc.). |  | ||
B | Assessment Driver | • Organization identifies the need for an assessment | • Funder defines the need for assessments | Industry Standard |
C | Assessment Timing | • Conducted before initiating capacity building activities | Best practice | |
D | Define what will be assessed | • Holistic assessment of organizational management and programmatic processes and structures. | • Process and structures for: | Best practice |
|  | • Organizational Management |  | ||
|  | • Specific thematic area (finance admin, etc.) |  | ||
|  | • Programmatic Area (Clinical, Community Development, etc.) |  | ||
E | Assessment Process | • Participatory approach where the entity buys into the need for an assessment | Best practice | |
|  | • Facilitated self-reflection |  | ||
F | Facilitation | • External facilitation team | • External facilitator | Best practice |
G | Data Collection | • Utilize multiple data collection sources (may include interviews, focus groups, staff/client surveys, document review, observation) | • Interviews and document review | Best practice |
H | Assessment Tool | • Select tool best suited to the organization’s needs | • Tool developed by the funder, or use of an existing tool that meets the funder’s needs | Industry standard |
|  | • Adapt tools to address organization’s needs, cultural differences, local context |  |  | |
I | Tool "measurement" | • Qualitative analysis of assessment criteria | • Semi-Qualitative benchmarks per indicator | Best practice |
J | Preparing for the Assessment | All involved parties fully understand and are committed to supporting the process, tools, timeline, and time commitment | Best practice | |
K | Assessment Results | Used to develop a Capacity Building Plan through a participatory process with the assessed entity to review assessment results, define and prioritize needs | Best practice | |