There are
some significant benefits to using the online system. Firstly, let's look at the benefits for the service user.
Benefits for the service user
According to key workers, the impact of seeing a Star Chart automatically
generated on-screen is hugely motivating. And, as the system enables you to quickly and easily
view other earlier Star Charts for the same client on the same Star, it makes change - both progress and set-backs - very vivid.
Benefits for key workers
For key workers, the paperwork is easier to manage with all charts being stored online.
It is also easier to cross reference the ladders with the the points on the scale on the Star Chart form. Simply click on the title of the scale to view the relevant ladder in a new window or tab.
Data from all your clients' charts is collated on one page, called a Key Worker Summary Report, so that you can review your caseload at anytime. The results may highlight areas where progress is not happening. And this helps you and your manager identify the need for more resources or changes. It may also be that your caseload is unusual in your project, and that it includes those people with greater or lesser support needs. It is not about judging the work of an individual member of staff and managers and agencies are advised not to use it in isolation as a performance management tool.
Only you and your manager can view your summary report.
Benefits for organisations
For organisations' the benefits are important. All Star Charts are efficiently compiled into a central database, and a vast number of types of reports can be generated to enable management to assess where they need to review the quality or extent of service delivery.
Agencies can also compare their reports with similar agencies (all anonymously), immediately being able to benchmark their work.
This information will prove useful in fundraising and tendering for large-scale commissions.
Benefits for the sector
For the sector as a whole, there are benefits too. By combining the data of all organisations incredibly useful reports will be available and easy to utilise for campaigning, influencing public policy, observing trends and providing great benchmarking potential.