Principles for training staff

Training staff effectively is one of the most important elements to ensure that data collection is efficient, accurate and ultimately useful in decision making. In training staff it is important to:

• Establish buy-in from staff
• Introduce staff to Social Performance Management
• Introduce staff to data collection tools and processes
• Monitor data collection processes and conduct ongoing staff training

Staff buy in is important!

Efficient and accurate data collection requires buy-in from staff. Staff resistance to data collection is one of the main reasons for poor data quality and inefficiencies in data collection. Although collecting data can help to improve operational efficiencies in the long term, data collection generally involves added commitments and responsibilities of staff.

What staff need to know:

• What is Social Performance Management?
• The importance of Social Data
• The importance of their role and the specific data they are collecting
• The link between collecting data and improvements in the quality of products and services for clients
• How their work is making a difference

Introducing Staff to Social Performance Management

Social Performance involves effectively translating your Social Mission into practice.

Social Performance Management (SPM) involves setting and achieving social goals by tracking social performance through the collection of data and using information gathered for decision making.

You should also be able to explain to staff:

• How Social Performance Management fits in with your MFIs mission and social goals
• Their role in your MFIs Social Performance Management

Introducing Staff to Data Collection Tools and Processes

1. Explain what the tool is used for, how it is used and how it contributes to SPM
2. Get feedback from staff and revise tool if necessary – staff involvement in the design of tools can be helpful in getting buy-in
3. Pilot tool with staff in the field
4. Get feedback from users’ experience
5. Update tool further where necessary
6. Demonstrate results to staff from their hard work – what does the data tell us and how will it be used

Remember: If staff do not fully understand the importance and value of data collection:

• Short-cuts are likely to be taken in data collection which leads to inconsistent and inaccurate data, or a lack of data
• It is likely that clients will not understand the importance of surveys which may lead to inaccurate data

Staff training resources

Technical Training – PPI Staff Training

Technical Material – Staff Training on Client Protection (1,802 kb)

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