How can you develop programs that meet health and safety standards?

1 Assess your needs

The first step is to assess the needs of your target population and the context of your program. You need to identify the health and safety risks and opportunities that are relevant to your program goals, activities, and outcomes. You can use different methods to collect and analyze data, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, observations, or secondary sources. You should also consult with your stakeholders, such as participants, staff, volunteers, partners, funders, or regulators, to get their input and feedback on your needs assessment.

2 Design your program

The second step is to design your program based on your needs assessment. You need to define your program logic, which is the link between your program inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes, and impacts. You also need to establish your program standards, which are the criteria and indicators that measure your program quality and performance. Your program standards should include health and safety standards that align with your sector and location requirements, as well as your organizational values and mission.

3 Implement your program

The third step is to implement your program according to your program design. You need to plan and execute your program activities, manage your program resources, and monitor your program progress. You also need to implement your health and safety standards by developing and following policies, procedures, protocols, and practices that prevent or reduce the health and safety risks and hazards of your program. You should also train and educate your staff, volunteers, and participants on your health and safety standards and expectations.

4 Evaluate your program

The fourth step is to evaluate your program based on your program standards. You need to collect and analyze data on your program outputs, outcomes, and impacts, as well as your program quality and performance. You also need to evaluate your health and safety standards by assessing how well they are implemented, followed, and achieved in your program. You should also solicit and incorporate feedback from your stakeholders on your program evaluation.

5 Improve your program

The fifth step is to improve your program based on your program evaluation. You need to identify and prioritize the strengths and weaknesses of your program, as well as the opportunities and threats for your program improvement. You also need to improve your health and safety standards by reviewing and updating them according to the best practices, lessons learned, and recommendations from your program evaluation. You should also communicate and celebrate your program achievements and challenges with your stakeholders.

6 Sustain your program

The sixth step is to sustain your program based on your program improvement. You need to secure and maintain the support and resources for your program continuation, expansion, or replication. You also need to sustain your health and safety standards by creating and nurturing a culture of health and safety in your organization and program. You should also advocate and collaborate with other organizations and sectors to promote and enhance the health and safety of your target population and community.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?