About using the evidence and knowledge self-assessment tool guidance for KLS Teams
Guidance for Knowledge and Library Service Teams using the Knowledge Mobilisation Self-Assessment Tool.
This tool has been designed to help senior leaders in NHS organisations to quickly assess opportunities to make better use of information, external evidence and organisational knowledge. The tool invites NHS organisations to :
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assess what is working well and what more could be done
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consider initiatives which will make a positive impact upon healthcare
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prioritise and develop an action plan to help meet objectives
The role of the library and knowledge specialist
A member of the Library and Knowledge Service team should:
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introduce the tool to senior leaders across an organisation
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request access to the tool using the e-mail [email protected]
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follow training and instructions to set-up the tool for senior leaders to complete
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distribute the tool or hold a facilitated group session to complete the tool
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review responses and identify opportunities to develop
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present opportunities as an action plan for agreement to develop with senior leaders
TIP: If you are uncertain about taking this to your Board then why not start with a team, department or division within your organisation

Preparation for the KLS facilitator
Review the training materials or attend a training session
Familiarise yourself with the tool – a sample is available for you to complete
Identify who you will target to complete the tool and think about how you will present this
Consider current priorities for your target group
Think about development opportunities that you want to promote to this senior team
Set-up the tool and send to participants or schedule a facilitated group session
Schedule time after the session to prepare and present an action plan of development opportunities – review the sample for ideas.
Preparation for participants
Share with participants the benefits of considering knowledge as an asset
Work with participants to help them consider how they are completing the tool - on behalf of the team or directorate or organisation rather than from an individual perspective.
If holding a facilitated group session, consider allowing some time at the start for participants to read through the criteria.
If sending the tool for individuals to complete separately be clear about when you need responses returned and establish a time to review the results and discuss identified development opportunities with the full team.
In a facilitated session
Briefly introduce the self-assessment re-iterating the purpose
Facilitate a group discussion workign through each criterion. Read statements from left to right and following the discussion select the statement and maturity level that best represents the outcome of the discussion
TIP: This works best if you let them read and respond with minimal input from you. Just try asking “what level have you put for…” They will be able to decide this and shouldn’t need a steer from you, but if asked for your opinion be prepared to give it.
Allow 15 – 30 minutes depending upon the level of discussion
Once you have worked through the tool explain the next steps. You will work on identifying suitable development opportunities in response to the discussion and arrange a time to present this back to the group.
TIP: As the expert in the room, take ownership of this stage in the process and the next step of drawing up an action plan.
Presenting back development opportunities
Summarise the key outcomes from the self-assessment and thank participants for their input
Present the pre-prepared action plan, discuss identified development opportunities, and seek agreement from the senior leaders about which actions they wish to prioritise.
Continue to work with the senior leaders to co-deliver the identified actions
TIP: Use the action plan as an opportunity to promote particular services to senior leaders in your organisation
Regularly review progress against your action plan and repeat the self-assessment, we would recommend after two years to track progress.
TIP: As you work with more teams you may wish to adopt a full River and Stairs assessment. You can find out more about this in the self-assessment and river diagrams section of the Knowledge Mobilisation Toolkit.
Feedback to knowledge and library service colleagues in your region or nationally about the process using newsletters and mailing lists like the Knowledge Mobilisation Community of Practice.
Page last reviewed: 16 June 2021