The DFID programme has adopted an integrated approach to Child Protection in Romania. The scope of the project embraces the key aspects of Child Protection and DFID consultants are endeavouring to use their expertise and build on best practice, thus incorporating the excellent work to date of NACPA, Judets/Sectors, colleague donor agencies and other stakeholders. There is now an increasing need for a convergence of action so that intended outcomes for children continue to be achieved in an integrated and timely way.

The key elements of the DFID programme are:

• The legislative framework
• The inspection and monitoring framework
• The standards and accreditation framework
• The assessment and eligibility framework
• The strategy, leadership and performance management frameworks

The development of these initiatives are being carried out by DFID consultants within an agreed Management of Change strategy designed to support the implementation of 'what needs to continue and what needs to be different'. The intention is to build the capability of those involved to ensure that the agreed outcomes for children in Romania are delivered in a sustainable way.

This article is concerned with the performance management framework, as outlined below. The Performance Management Framework integrates the DFID work on Strategy and Closure Plans implemented during 2002. The clear message is that the Performance Management Process enables the delivery of the strategy by focusing actions and reviews of those involved in child protection on the delivery of the agreed mission and objectives for each Judet/ Sector.

The performance management framework was developed with a representative Judet/Sector/NACPA group and tested with a number of stakeholders/agencies during late 2002 and early 2003. It was agreed that the process should be piloted through a number of Judets/Sectors commencing April 2003. The learning from this would be incorporated into a launch of the system early in 2004. Pilot Judets/Sectors are Sector 4, Arad, Bacau, Brasov, Caras Severin, Galati, Mehedinti, Teleorman. Directors of Child Protection from other Sectors/Judets will have the opportunity to attend a one day briefing on the pilot performance management system. Performance Management will also be implemented within NACPA.

Through the consultation process key principles emerged for the performance management framework. These will be tested and refined during the pilot process.

The implementation of a Performance Management Process requires clear leadership actions. The leaders in the organisation need to positively support the process and actively bring it into the very way that they manage work. Through delegation, role modelling and, in particular, reviewing achievements leaders need to put the PMF process in the forefront of their approach. Routines may need to change in the organisation and in teams to help colleagues change their working practices.

Management of Change

Our Change Management Model indicates how the Mission and the PMF process is key to delivering the agreed outcomes contained in the Judet/Sector Child Protection Strategy and Plan. The alignment of mission to actions linked to standards ensures that all colleagues focus on the agreed priorities and on completing them to the agreed standard and by working in an agreed way - the Capability Profile.

Change occurs when colleagues recognise what has to be different, value the different way of working and then acquire the skills to work differently. To enable this, it is necessary to set both the environment and the process. In this case the process is the Performance Management Framework, and Leadership sets the environment.

Additional training is being provided on Leadership and Management of Change as part of the DFID Programme.

Building Sustainable Delivery of Standards Through Capability Development

For the pilot we have focused in particular on the management aspects of the role for those in a leadership position. Technical and Professional capabilities for each role will be developed by NACPA/Judets/Sectors.

Following the pilot implementation, the strategy for ongoing training to support the Performance Management Framework will continue to be developed. Increasingly this should be delivered by those in leadership roles in the Child Protection Services.

Ongoing Capability Development for management/leadership and professional and technical skills will evolve as part of the pilot process and DFID will discuss these further with those who can provide a leadership role.

Next

There will be ongoing updates on the progress of the Leadership and Performance Management Framework initiative and other integral parts of the DFID project in future journals. If you would like further information on the PMF project please contact: