Worksheet3 Using the diagnostic toolkit
Introduction to finding the focus | 3.0
This worksheet describes the process by which a cluster’s Core Group can identify the issues its members have in common, and sift through them to come up with a short list of topics for a more detailed feasibility investigation. This stage is vital, not only for its own sake, but because it gives cluster members the first real opportunity to get to know each other, and to cement relationships by working together.
The methodology suggested here is based on techniques developed by HACT's Collaborate consultancy team, but has been adapted so that it can be used by groups which are going through the clustering process under their own steam, without access external facilitation.
We have developed a number of IT-based applications to help groups in this situation that can be found in the resources section.
By the end of this stage, the group should have identified:
- a shortlist of topics for more detailed exploration, and ideas for how each of them might be taken forward;
- a list of potential contacts and resources to be investigated;
- an agreement about who is going to do what, how the results are going to be pulled together, and when the group will meet to consider them.