Best Practice

Programme Design and Development

Foróige ensures that our programme content is of a consistently high standard, utilising relevant evidence and involving stakeholders throughout the process. To ensure that the programmes are needs-led, young people are involved in the development process through consultation, participation in working groups and as active participants on pilot programmes. Programme activities are piloted to assess their suitability and effectiveness creating a feedback loop that ensures the activities developed are relevant, meaningful and engaging. Programme resources and facilitator training are structured to be engaging, productive and fun. In parallel to this, we continually assess and evaluate programme content, taking on board feedback from both facilitators and young people, to ensure that programme delivery stays fresh and up-to-date. 

The Process

Research & Development

Consultation: Once the need has been identified, an intensive consultation process is undertaken, involving all stakeholders and the appointment of a working group.

Aims and Outcomes: Programme aims and outcomes are defined and agreed upon and from this a framework is developed to structure the delivery of the material.

Programme Design: Research, writing and activity development are undertaken in order to produce a draft for testing by appropriate pilot groups.

Production

Piloting: Pilot groups are selected and the draft programme (or elements of the draft programme) are run by facilitators/programme developers.

Feedback: Feedback from pilot groups is assessed and content is adjusted accordingly to ensure effective and timely delivery of content.

Review and approval: Having incorporated the feedback, content is edited and refined to ensure clarity and ease of implementation, before final approval is given.

Resource Design: All materials are designed to be engaging and stimulating, to support ease of use by facilitators and provide youth-friendly materials for young people.

Implementation

Facilitator Training: Training workshops are developed to ensure that facilitators become competent with the material and can deliver it to young people in an engaging way.

Roll out to Young People: Facilitators deliver the programme to groups/individuals, allowing young people to engage with the material in an active, fun learning environment.

Evaluation: Programmes are evaluated by both young people and facilitators. Feedback is assessed and implemented as necessary.

If you would like to talk to us about programme development for your organisation, contact Sarah Haslam at [email protected].

Foróige is a member of the Prevention and Early Intervention Network, a network of evidence based practice, advocacy and research organisations working to improve outcomes for children, families and communities.