#15 Innovative evaluation and review

What is it?
Innovative evaluation and review can help foster continuous improvement of a new service.

How could I use it?
Traditional quantitative approaches to evaluation can be limited in terms of the understanding they can provide on end users experience of the service. Using qualitative approaches in evaluation can provide local authorities with a more comprehensive narrative on how the services they provide are being received and where they could be improved. For example:
Read more

#12 User-centred research and analysis

What is it?
User centred research is an excellent way of building a more holistic picture of the needs and experiences of service users.

How can I use it?
1.    EthnographyRead more

# 11 Ideas Bank

What is it?
An Idea Banks is a space – either physical or virtual – where people can put forward ideas which are then advanced by decision makers.

How could I use it?
1.    Idea BanksRead more

# 9 Creative ideas generation

What is it?
Creative ideas generation involves generating an environment at meetings that is conducive to stimulating innovative ideas.

How could I use it?
1.    Open SpaceRead more

# 8 Learning through collaboration and peer learning

What is it?
Learning from peers and through collaboration can help with the design of new solutions, particularly multi-agency approaches to entrenched problems.

How can I use it?
Many local authority officers do not know their counterparts in other local authorities, but often face very similar problems. Networks can help practitioners to develop shared solutions, share risk and learn from past mistakes.
Read more

# 7 Innovation specialists within local government

What is it?
Innovation specialists within local government are either individuals or teams of people that have a mandate to recognise and promote innovation within an organisation.

How could I use it?
1.    Access an intermediaryRead more

# 6 Making innovation part of job roles

What is it?
Innovation can be made part of an employee’s role, by writing it into their job description or allocating a proportion of their time to focus on innovation.
Read more

# 5 Time-limited focus on innovation

What is it?
Giving individuals or teams an agreed amount of time to develop ideas.

How could I use it?Read more

#4 Supporting entrepreneurs in your organisation