Accreditation & Self Assessment

Accreditation

The purpose of the accreditation program is to provide a means of formally verifying and recognizing public works agencies for compliance with the recommended practices set forth in the Public Works Management Practices Manual. It is a voluntary, self-motivated approach to objectively evaluate, verify and recognize compliance with the recommended management practices. The objectives of the accreditation program are to:

• create impetus for organization self improvement and stimulate general raising of standards
• offer a voluntary evaluation and education program rather than government regulated activity
• recognize good performance and provide motivation to maintain and improve performance
• improve public works performance and the provision of services
• increase professionalism
• instill pride among agency staff, elected officials and the local community

Roster of Accreditation Council
Accredited, Provisional, and Applicant Agencies
For more information on Accreditation
Commonly Asked Questions About Accreditation [PDF]

Self Assessment

A Process for Improvement. Self assessment using the Public Works Management Practices Manual is a valuable tool for determining how an agency's policies, procedures and practices compare to recommended practices identified by nationally recognized experts in the field of public works. Agencies can use the recommended practices contained in the manual as a model for developing or improving existing practices to enhance performance, increase productivity, and to strengthen employee morale.

Benefits of Self Assessment

1. Improve effectiveness
2. Promote staff and community pride
3. Clarify budget needs
4. Identify operation and management needs
5. Enhance professional image
6. Promote team work and staff development
7. Encourage interdepartmental coordination
8. Identify duplication and wasted effort
9. Promote public awareness
10. Improve communication
11. Prepare for agency accreditation

For more information on Self Assessment