Strategic assessment
When a National Society wants to obtain an overview of all its capacities and performance and understand how the different areas are linked, a diagnostic or strategic development process is the preferred solution. This solution is particularly relevant when a National Society plans to develop or revise its strategic or development plan. Processes of this type include:
Organization Capacity Assessment and certification (OCAC)
What is the purpose and focus of this assessment process?
The Organisational Capacity Assessment and Certification (OCAC) process is a comprehensive assessment process that enables the National Society to review all the elements that contribute to building a strong organisation, by examining its capacities and performance in the country.
This process also allows the National Society to be assessed against the requirements expected of a modern organisation in the humanitarian and development sector
How is this process structured?
The first phase focuses on the National Society's capacity, i.e. its structure, systems, procedures and the resources it needs to function effectively. This is done through a self-assessment conducted by a group of around 15 people representative of the organisation as a whole and with the help of external facilitators.
The second phase examines the impact of the National Society in the country, looking at the relevance, quality and scope of its services. It is conducted by a group of peer assessors selected from within the organisation.
National Societies that meet the minimum standards set for each phase can be certified by the International Federation's Governing Board.
When is this process recommended?
It can be used as a starting point or to support the development of the National Society’s strategic plan or overall development plan. It can also be used to monitor progress in implementing these plans and any adjustments made to them.
The OCAC process can complement other assessment and development processes, either by providing a more comprehensive picture of a more specific assessment carried out previously, or by highlighting areas that require further examination to clearly define development needs.
It is not recommended to carry out this process if the National Society has recently defined its development priorities and set clear development objectives.
Where can I find more information?
You can find the National societies which have carried out the OCAC self-assessment here.
Branch Organisational Capacity Assessment (BOCA)
What is the purpose and focus of this assessment process?
The Branch Organisational Capacity Assessment (BOCA) is a self-assessment tool developed to enable National Society sections to identify and assess their strengths, limitations and challenges in relation to a wide range of organisational capacities. This method can be used as a first step in a process of branch development.
How is this process structured?
The ECOS method is a comprehensive assessment tool that provides an in-depth view of a section's strengths and weaknesses and evaluates its current capacity to deliver services, with a view to initiating or strengthening its overall development. This method is partly similar to the ECCO process and includes a capacity assessment session, but it also includes other sessions that allow section stakeholders to reflect on their activities, financial resources, etc., as well as a planning session. In addition, it is a flexible method that can be adapted by each National Society to better reflect the needs and realities of its sections.
When is this process recommended?
The BOCA method can be compared to a general health check for sections and should be used whenever a national society wishes to expand or strengthen the capacities of its sections. It is strongly recommended that assessments be carried out of all sections of the national society, rather than just one or a few.
Where can I find more information?