ISI's "No-nonsense Assessment" for
Local Workforce Development Boards

Data Collection and Initial Assessment

To make efficient use of time onsite, ISI gathers pre-visit assessment information on the WIB's organizational and implementation issues as well as local workforce statistics and demographics. During this phase, ISI:

• Collects and analyzes WIB documentation, reviewing strategic plans, one-stop agreements, MOUs, budget issues, reports, etc.
• Distributes to key WIB players brief targeted questionnaires about the state of the WIB and its relationships with its partners. Conducts structured follow-up telephone interviews
• Gathers external data about the area's workforce demographics, trends, industries' employment needs, and relevant funding sources

Visits and Onsite Interviews

At our onsite kickoff meeting, we present our intention, our methodology, and our initial findings in the broad context. The meeting features a discussion of the WIB, its accomplishments, and the challenges it faces.

President Ray Bramucci leads the onsite assessment, interviewing Board members and key WIB partners. ISI interviews representatives from the following groups, to determine and support ISI's report findings and recommendations:

Analysis, Compilation of Report, and Presentation of Findings

After completing our onsite activities, we compile the results of our inquiries with additional research on national trends, local funding opportunities and applicable best practices. From this information, we create a set of specific recommendations and next steps that we feel represent the best way for the WIB to meet its goals. We discuss our findings with key members of the WIB and then return to the community to present them at a reconvened group meeting. We engage in a discussion of our findings with the relevant stakeholders and then incorporate their reactions into our final report.