This brief guide sets out a proposition from the Midlands Decision Support Network on how to improve the quality of decisions made. In doing so, it provides some tools and techniques for decision makers to use. This resource describes what effective strategic decision making should look like by framing the right problem and how to resolve the problem in different situations using the tools included in the resource.
- Learning method: guide
- Duration: varies depending on the theme you require support with.
You will learn how to:
- think strategically
- take strategic decisions by identifying the problem, understanding the problem, setting objectives, evaluating alternatives, choosing the best option and finally implementation and evaluation
- frame your decision – how to solve the right problem
- approach different situations using a range of tools.
Embracing Uncertainty | Midlands Decision Support Network
This guide sets out seven key learnings on how to take a systems approach to create place-based change. The learnings come from five council-led projects in England who took part in a grant-funded programme, Shaping Places for Healthier Lives, between 2021-2024.
Taking a ‘systems approach’ means considering all parts of a system when addressing a challenge, rather than looking at them in isolation. A ‘systems approach’ accepts complexity and looks for the (at times unpredictable) ways in which the system is connected.
- Learning method: guide
- Duration: varies depending on the theme you require support with.
You will learn how to:
- understand your system and decide where to focus your energy for maximum impact
- co-develop a clear and ambitious vision that will remain at the forefront of your work
- treat relationship-building as real work and spend time investing in relationships across all parts of the system
- think about how to have a long-term impact
- experiment with ways of working that challenge traditional behaviours
- regularly take time to step back and reflect
- communicate in a way that inspires action.
Taking a systems approach to create place-based change: Seven learnings from the Shaping Places for Healthier Lives programme | LGA
This guide is written for people at all levels with an interest in evaluation – whether you are thinking about commissioning an external evaluation or conducting your own evaluation in-house. The guide takes you through all aspects of designing and conducting evaluation – whatever your resources – and presenting the results.
- Learning method: guide
- Duration: varies depending on the theme or focus that you require support with within the guide.
You will learn more about:
- how to design and develop an evaluation model
- how to ensure appropriate governance arrangements
- addressing ethical issues
- identifying resources and how to carry out qualitative and quantitative research
- identifying and assessing costs and savings.
A Guide to Effective Evaluation: Design, Principles and Practice | The Strategy Unit
This programme is open to staff working in health, care, local authorities and voluntary sector partnerships. It is designed for people who have a desire to improve the way they collaborate across organisational, professional and hierarchical boundaries to design and deliver better health outcomes for the communities they serve.
- Learning method: training course
- Duration: the programme will run for five weeks. It will take approximately five hours of self-directed study per week so you can choose to fit the programme around your work, study and family commitments.
- Costs: if you work or study in the UK and have a role or a placement in health, care, a council, or a voluntary sector organisation you can join the course without charge.
This programme will support you as you develop your understanding of system leadership, and the skills and behaviours required to collaborate across health and care.
The programme will cover three main themes:
- the meaning of system leadership
- why it is important and how to practise it with confidence
- how to be effective when working across organisational boundaries.
Foundations in System Leadership; collaborating for health and care | Leadership Academy
