APWA Accreditation Process - Public Works Institute
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The APWA accreditation program aims to recognize public works agencies for adhering to recommended management practices, involving a self-assessment as the first step. Agencies undergo a structured process that includes application, self-assessment, improvement, evaluation, and final accreditation, with associated costs typically ranging from $10,000 to $15,000. The program encourages continuous improvement and professional development while providing benefits such as formal recognition and enhanced operational standards.
APWA Accreditation Process - Public Works Institute
- 1. APWA Self Assessment & Accreditation Charles R. (Chas) Jordan M.P.A., P.W.E., F.M.P., ENV SP President Radiant Training & Consulting, LLC Florida Public Works Institute APWA Florida Chapter
- 2. Self Assessment & Accreditation APWA: The purpose of the accreditation program is to provide a means of formally verifying and recognizing public works agencies for compliance with the recommended practices set forth in the Public Works Management Practices Manual.
- 3. Self Assessment & Accreditation APWA: The purpose of the accreditation program is to provide a means of formally verifying and recognizing public works agencies for compliance with the recommended practices set forth in the Public Works Management Practices Manual.
- 5. Self Assessment vs. Accreditation Self Assessment Voluntary Free (w/ Book) Good Management Practice Can Be Done Anytime Required First Step in Accreditation
- 6. Self Assessment vs. Accreditation Accreditation Request Through Contract Costs $$$ Peer Reviewed Has a Set Schedule Official Recognition
- 7. What is Accreditation? It is a voluntary, self-motivated approach to objectively evaluate, verify and recognize compliance with the recommended management practices. It is a prestigious acknowledgement of excellence from the foremost public works professional association in the USA!
- 8. What does it cost? Based on the agency’s population and number of functional areas provided by the agency and included for review. Designed to recover the actual costs associated with administering the program. An estimate of total accreditation costs based on the characteristics of each agency will be provided to applicants at the time of application. Costs of the on-site evaluation represent the unknown cost, since the agencies will be responsible for actual costs. Accreditation fees for a medium size municipal agency are expected to be between $10,000 and $15,000, over the two- to three-year process, not including the agency’s staff expenses.
- 9. What is the Process? Application Self Assessment Improvement Evaluation ACCREDITATION
- 10. What is the Process? Application Phase 1. Request information or application package from APWA 2. Review the accreditation process guide 3. Make formal application and pay fees 4. APWA reviews application and approves accreditation agreement
- 11. What is the Process? Self Assessment Phase 1. Conduct Self Assessment 2. Present Results to Elected Officials 3. Mail in Notice of Completion and Documentation 4. APWA Mails an Acknowledgement and a Certificate
- 12. What is a Self Assessment? Internal evaluation of an organization’s: policies, procedures and practices – used to determine its strengths and areas for improvement. Documentation – forms the basis for making continuous improvements in agency operations. Prepares an agency for the accreditation review and leads to the preparation of necessary documentation.
- 13. When should you do a Self Assessment? Before you sign contract vs. after you sign contract? Or you might choose no contract? A recent survey of accredited agencies and found that: 55% did it before 45% did it after Your decision may be based on Politics of your community Management decision Discipline of your organization Organization uncertainty Lock in fee and edition
- 14. Why should you do a Self Assessment? International recognition for the commitment to processes that promote good government Increased productivity and effectiveness through critical evaluation of programs and services Tools for establishing performance measurement systems and internal performance standards for operations, management and administrative functions
- 15. Why should you do a Self Assessment? A visible form of recognition that can be used to gain community support for improvement of public works facilities and services An opportunity for professional development of your staff A process to discover the latest developments in public works operation and maintenance
- 16. What is the Process? Improvement Phase 1. Implement improvements identified during self assessment 2. Update Self Assessment documentation 3. File and Document Completion 4. Submit Application for Site Visit with Checklist
- 17. What is the Process? Evaluation Phase 1. APWA ackowledges request for Site Visit 2. APWA identifies evaluation team 3. Site visit is conducted and an evaluation report is prepared by team.
- 18. What is the Process? Evaluation Phase 1. APWA ackowledges request for Site Visit 2. APWA identifies evaluation team 3. Site visit is conducted and an evaluation report is prepared by team.
- 19. What is the Process? Accreditation Phase 1. Site Review Report submitted to the APWA Accreditation Council 2. Council reviews and considers Accreditation 3. APWA Notifies Agency of the Results 4. Plaque is Presented to Agency at Elected Body Meeting
- 21. What Now? Continuous Improvement Self Assessment Identify Needs / Set Goals ImplementationEvaluation Accreditation / Re-Accreditation
- 22. What are the disadvantages? 1. There are obvious risks and other implications associated with pursuing accreditation. 2. It does require a significant amount of effort to conduct a self assessment and make necessary improvements in the operations and management of your agency. 3. There are also costs involved for the accreditation process, though efforts will be made to keep these reasonable and affordable to all agencies regardless of size. (Approx. $15K-$20K for a medium sized agency).
- 23. What are the advantages? 1. Formal recognition of well run agencies 2. A mechanism to evaluate the organization 3. A target for improving operations 4. Public recognition of public works function 5. Justifying budget requests 6. Instilling pride in personnel 7. Reducing liability 8. Lowering insurance premiums
- 24. What are the advantages? 9. Raising national public works profiles 10.Benefiting in personnel recruitment 11.Encouraging documentation of policies 12.Encouraging improvement of procedures 13.Raising competencies in public works 14.Consistent, comprehensive practices 15.Fostering interaction among personnel 16.Encouraging employee involvement.
- 25. What you will need: • Support of your governing board and upper management • Cooperation of other departments, team leaders, & your staff • Discipline to stay the course, 3 years sneaks up on you fast, don’t drag your feet. • Strength to get others to do their part, YOU CAN’T DO THIS ALONE. It is a team effort that will ensure success. • Resources dedicated to the mission • Accountability for results, team leaders need to have responsibility to get it done.
- 26. What you will get: • Network – Help with just about anything you need. Someone out there has done it before and will assist you. • Stronger Relationships will develop as a result of the cooperation of other departments, team leaders, & your staff. • Mutual Respect of all those involved that will carry into other projects and assignments. • Teamwork will be the standard of behavior. • Positive Attitude of success with dedication to the continuous improvement of your organization. • Results as staff has a sense of accountability.
- 27. What you will get:
- 28. Other Resources • APWA website: http://www.apwa.net/ • APWA infoNOW Community • Tracy Quintana, Accreditation Program Manager • accreditation@apwa.net • 800-848-2792 • Self Assessment/Accreditation Workshops