Improve the services you provide using Focus tools

The new Service Review Guide for departments and faculties provides a version of the cross-University service review methodology used by Focus for use at the local level. Service reviews provide a structured, proactive and comprehensive approach to understanding and improving all aspects of our services and adapting them to stakeholders’ changing needs. 

The guide provides a summary of each step of the Focus service review methodology which consists of seven stages, starting with the idea stage when the review’s parameters are set through to the implement and sustain stages. This structured approach supports an evidence-led way to improve the delivery of services at the University. The Service Review Guide information poster provides a one-page explanation of the review process. 

A successful pilot of the guide by several departments at the University took place during summer 2023. The Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health used the guide to review the Oxford Safer Pregnancy Research Alliance (OPSREA) team. The recommendations report, generated at the end of the review, has been well received and is now being implemented. 

Lesa Levett, Head of Administration and Finance, Nuffield Department of Women’s Reproductive Health, commented: 

The guide provided a beneficial tool for reviewing our OSPREA team and providing a benchmark for improvements and change moving ahead. Most of us are aware that change can be an emotive subject and tricky to manage, but the guide removed the emotion from the process by providing a clear structure and framework to work within. It has provided us with a roadmap that everyone can get on board with, allowing us to reflect on progress along the way. 

Service reviews are a key area of activity for Professional Services Together, they help to streamline and enhance the way we deliver services end to end across Oxford to meet the needs of staff and students. 

Please email the Focus team if you would like any advice on using the guide or if you would like to check if your service could benefit from using the guide. Alternatively, you can also contact the Focus team to book a consultation meeting for advice and guidance on getting started with your own review.