Checklists of points to consider during the four stages of implementation.
First published
Implementation guide for innovations
Stage one considerations – Explore and engage
Define what needs to change – what is the problem to solve?
- Understand what needs to change, the gaps and needs of the organisation.
- Establish whether the issue aligns with current priorities.
- Consider data and measures to be used.
Select and adopt the innovation
- Look for existing innovations.
- Select and adopt an evidence-based innovation that bridges the gap.
- Decide whether any adaptions are required.
- Identify the benefits and how you might be able to measure them.
Set up the team
- Set up a local implementation team and other teams as required.
- Identify partners and build relationships.
Identify barriers and enablers to implementation
- Understand individual and contextual barriers and facilitators to adopting the innovation.
- Identify costs and funding streams.
- Submit a business case for change and seek strategic support.
Understand readiness to adopt the innovation
- Assess organisational readiness, including leadership support, workforce capacity and capability.
Stage two considerations – Plan and prepare
Develop an implementation plan
- Consider your communication plan or approach.
- Identify a strong and committed senior sponsor as strategic lead.
- Internal governance – identify tactical and operational leads, along with a governance route.
- Continue working on relationships for engagement and involvement.
Choose implementation tactics to support individuals
- This could include training, use of champions and/or creating a team.
Design the evaluation
- Plan how you will measure whether it works and if it is cost-effective.
- Obtain baseline measures.
Ensure compliance
- Ensure that regulatory and legal compliance work is completed.
Stage three considerations – Implementation
Start using the innovation
- Plan regular meetings to prioritise implementation and to address barriers and opportunities.
- Ongoing engagement with stakeholders.
- Use data to inform decision making.
Continuously monitor and improve
- Track benefits. Focus on outcomes, not activity.
- Consider any adaptions required.
- Decide on whether implementation is effective or sufficient based on evaluation.
- Evaluate effectiveness.
Stage four considerations – Sustain and scale
Sustain the programme or practice
- Identify ‘business as usual’ ownership and governance. Link to departmental or force performance.
Scale up the programme
- Share learning with colleagues and peers – knowledge, skills and experience (KSE), regional meeting.
- Submit to the What Works Centre for Crime Reduction (College of Policing).
Acknowledge and reward implementation processes
- Award submissions.
- Communications pieces (national and local).