Support your team
Your role as a manager is vital in supporting your team effectively throughout their project journey. Here, you’ll find resources, guidance, and tools to help you lead these initiatives within your team, service or organisation, boosting project success and staff development.
This page is tailored for managers aiming to support staff engaged in Quality Improvement (QI) projects.
Checklist for managers
This checklist is for Managers who are approached by staff interested in undertaking a Quality Improvement (QI) project. It outlines key areas where managers can provide essential support and guidance throughout the duration of the project. Use this checklist as a framework to actively support your team members in their QI endeavours:
| 1. | Discuss project alignment | Talk through the project idea with the staff member to ensure it aligns with the organisation's strategic goals. If it does, provide written approval for the QI project to be undertaken. |
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| 2. | Guide to resources | Direct the staff member to essential QI resources, including: |
| 3. | Guide to ethics checklist | Support the staff member to complete the HNELHD Ethics Checklist to determine any ethical considerations or requirements relevant to the project. |
| 4. | Facilitate networking | Link the staff member with other experienced colleagues who can provide insights or support for the project. |
| 5. | Support collaboration | Help connect the staff member with others who may be interested in assisting with the project. |
| 6. | Provide contact information | Supply the staff member with the QI Manager’s contact details for further support. |
| 7. | Feedback on documents | Review and provide constructive feedback on project documents and reports to enhance their quality. |
| 8. | Oversee publications | Review any potential publications to ensure they meet organisational standards before submission. |
| 9. | Team/organisation recognition | Acknowledge the efforts of the staff member in team meetings and other forums as appropriate. |
Click here for a downloadable version of the checklist.
Role of the manager as project sponsor
As a manager, you may also serve as a project sponsor or assist in identifying a suitable sponsor for the QI project. A project sponsor is typically a senior-level person who doesn't work directly on the project but provides oversight, resources, and strategic guidance. They ensure the project aligns with organisational goals and can facilitate necessary approvals and resources. If not acting as the sponsor yourself, it's crucial to help your staff member connect with an appropriate sponsor who can champion their project effectively.
Process for supporting project sponsorship:
| Identify potential sponsors | Assess who within the organisation can best support the project’s goals and has the authority to facilitate progress. |
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| Facilitate introductions | Arrange meetings between the staff member and potential sponsors to discuss the project and gain sponsorship. |
| Support sponsorship roles | If acting as the sponsor, regularly check in with the project team, offer strategic advice, and advocate for necessary resources. |
Publication approval process
There are many ways to share a QI project with a broader audience. If your staff members wish to publish their work, whether through a journal article, on the Innovation Exchange, or another platform, they will need approval from their Line Manager and potentially other senior managers as well.
Click here to view the steps and approvals required by HNEkids to publish QI project results.
For more information, visit our Document and share your project page.