ESTABLISHING PUBLIC SERVICE AWARDS Project Guidelines Prepared by Adriana Alberti and Lois Warner
Introduction Establishing a new awards programme involves four phases comprising the necessary steps. These include: Phase 1 Conceptualization of awards Phase 2- Design of awards programme Phase 3- Implementation of awards programme awards Phase 4- Assessment Phase 1-4 Sustainability
Establishing a New Awards Programme Concept Design Awareness ApplicationEvaluationCeremony Assessment Award Conceptualization Award Design Implementing Award Award Impact Continuous Improvement Facilitating Feedback Sustainability of Awards Programme
1- Awards Conceptualization Rationale - - What is the purpose? What are the benefits? Area and Field - - Who are the applicants/ nominees? What institution hosts award? Objectives Categories Eligibility criteria Evaluation criteria Sustainability
1- Awards Conceptualization Specify the Objectives To recognize, and encourage the efforts made by public servants in improving the quality of public service. To reward exceptional projects which can serve as examples worthy of replication To support recognition, dissemination, and adaptation of best practices among public sector institutions and countries Others
1- Awards Conceptualization Define Categories and Criteria Categories: What categories? How many? General Criteria: Innovativeness Significance It solves a problem of public concern Impact It has a positive impact on citizens life Sustainability It endures in time Replicability It can be adapted by other government organiza Functional Criteria: Promotes Transparency Transforms the Administration Promotes equity
1- Awards Conceptualization Define Eligibility Criteria Eligibility Criteria Does the Award recognize institutions or individuals? Is it open to all Ministries/ Departments? (scope) Should it be a self-nomination or nominated by a third party? Does it recognize only public institutions or also other institutions? Can applicants enter one or multiple categories? Should applicants apply online?
2. Design of an Awards Programme The main steps include the following: A- Define the evaluation and selection process B- Define membership of the selection committee and timeline of the entire process C- Prepare the Nomination Format D- Prepare questionnaires for evaluators E- Define type of Recognition/Award F- Build an online database for the application process G- Devise a dissemination strategy
2 - Design of an Awards Programme (ctd.) A. Evaluation process: How many steps in the evaluation process? How much time between one step and the next? Define cycle of the Awards B. Define membership of the selection committee/jury Who should be part of the selection committee? Only nationals or also internationals? C. Prepare the Nomination Format (what type of information should be requested to applicants)
2- Design of an Awards Programme (ctd.) D- Questionnaire What questions capture the essence of the initiative How many steps in the evaluation process? How many questions? E- Type of recognition? Will the Award refer to a physical award Plaque to be presented at the Ceremony; Will it refer to a certificate signed by a high-level government official? Will it be constituted by monetary compensation
3- Implementation Call for Nominations Announcement of Awards (press releases, web-site) Communication to various government entities (letters to announce Awards) Evaluation Process Pre-screening of cases to ensure that they meet eligibility criteria First round of evaluation (only reporting format) Second Round (supporting documentation letters of recommendation, surveys, other documents) Selection and announcement of Winners Announcement of winners (newspapers, web-site, letters to winners, etc.0
4 - Organization of Awards Ceremony Identify venue and date of the Awards Ceremony Identify participants Prepare Agenda Notify winners Liaise with the press Prepare case studies about the winners initiative for dissemination purposes
5- Dissemination of the Awards and Winners Disseminate information on web-site and through other communication means and social media Prepare a publication with the winners initiatives and distribute to relevant government offices Invite winners to give presentations at relevant national meetings
6- Assessment of the Impact of the Awards Prepare follow-up questionnaires to be sent to all the winners 6 to 8 months after the Awards ceremony to assess impact of winning the Awards Collect relevant news about the winners for a media report Facilitate the exchange of knowledge among departments and provide study tours for other interested countries
Presentation of the Awards The Awards will be presented to the selected winners by national high-level officials
Thank you! More information www.unpan.org/unpsa alberti@un.org alberti@un.org nialkolov@un.org