Workload, Job Satisfaction and Perceptions of Role Preparation of Principal Educational Psychologists in England

This article describes the results of a study which investigated workload, job satisfaction and perceptions of role preparation of Principal Educational Psychologists (PEPs). A questionnaire was sent to all PEPs in England. One hundred and twelve responses were received, giving a 76 percent response rate. Results indicated that PEPs have a generally positive attitude to the profession and express overall job satisfaction. PEPs managing large and/or complex services expressed greater overall job satisfaction and greater satisfaction with role clarity than PEPs managing small and/or compact services. There were indications that less experienced PEPs are more satisfied with aspects of their work than more experienced PEPs and have more positive attitudes to the profession. Less experienced PEPs also felt better prepared for certain aspects of the job. Despite the overall satisfaction, PEPs found the job stressful and were particularly dissatisfied with time constraints relating to administration. PEPs cited funding as a particular challenge to the service and reported feeling particularly ill-prepared for dealing with financial matters. Change, recruitment and retention, and ensuring and maintaining quality were also areas of concern. On the basis of the findings, implications for leadership and management development of PEPs are discussed.

The development of an ongoing monitoring and evaluation system in a NORC service organization

The objective of this study was to describe the development, utilization and utility of an ongoing evaluation of a system of coordinated services to persons living in two naturally occurring retirement communities (NORCs).

The evaluation system includes service provision, service utilization and client satisfaction. It identifies trends in provided services and determines how services are utilized. A continuous monitoring system for reporting and quality improvement was developed with the four service agencies associated with the service provision system. The monthly data from each agency are compiled and distributed in the form of a report.

The evaluation project was successful in tailoring the reporting system to each agency. Multiple issues arose with staff compliance in utilization of the system, but, overall, the system evaluation presents detailed feedback on the services provided and helps with continuing development, testing of new delivery models, planning, maximizing resource utilization, customer service, and attaining and sustaining funding.

A system evaluation of an organization that provides services to a community is vital to optimizing frequency and quality of services. There are many ways to implement system evaluations. However, the use of electronic-based records increases the likelihood of maintaining and utilizing the system.