> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://urd.gitbook.io/compass/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://urd.gitbook.io/compass/implementing/initial-assessment.md).

# Initial assessment

### <mark style="color:orange;">Why?</mark>

During the Initial Assessment phase, organisations collect and analyse all the necessary information to&#x20;

* Decide whether to design a project or not.&#x20;
* Design a relevant, feasible, accountable, and context-appropriate intervention.

### <mark style="color:orange;">When?</mark>

The Initial Assessment is the second phase in the project cycle. It starts when the organisation decides to launch a situation and needs analysis. It ends when the decision to intervene (or not) has been taken.

The duration of the Initial Assessment should be proportionate to the context, urgency, risks, and organisational capacity.

### <mark style="color:orange;">What?</mark>

The Initial Assessment phase involves collecting and analysing information on:

* Priority needs, capacities, and preferences of communities and people affected by the crisis
* Risks, vulnerabilities, and inequalities, including those linked to age, gender, disability, and other relevant diversity factors
* Existing services, local capacities, and coping strategies
* Stakeholders, power relations, and existing coordination mechanisms
* Potential resources, constraints, and risks

The objective is not to produce exhaustive data but to enable well-grounded and transparent decisions and to ensure that any project design meets the relevant quality criteria. This means that the project design addresses meaningful participation, power imbalances, and the use of data responsibly.

<figure><img src="https://703690093-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FjVZ7GutuuOfKVB2ccnej%2Fuploads%2Fwjj6mrIHBsUce3tWgxG5%2FInitial%20Assessment_Graph.png?alt=media&amp;token=8f11661b-94c1-4d2b-82c1-0ab5eb5deb42" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### <mark style="color:orange;">Q\&A control points?</mark>&#x20;

There are two quality and accountability control points at this stage:

1\. Initial Assessment – Data collection method

2\. Initial Assessment – Initial Assessment report

The point controls aim to ensure how the data is collected, by whom, and with whom, as well as the quality of the analysis.

### <mark style="color:orange;">Who?</mark>&#x20;

During an Initial Assessment phase,

* Communities and people affected by crisis should participate, as far as possible, in the analysis of the situation, capacities, priorities, and resources, and should be involved in validating key findings.
* Operational staff, potential partners, and other humanitarian agencies should be involved in the preparation of the Initial Assessment, data collection and analysis, and the decision to intervene (or not), to promote complementarity and avoid duplication.
* Support services (Logistics; technical; HR….) should facilitate the implementation of the Initial Assessment (recruitment; transport…); provide secondary data; and propose an analytical framework adapted to the context.

### <mark style="color:blue;">Checklist</mark>

You can download the checklist for Implementation - Initial assessment in PDF version, available in English, French and Spanish.

{% file src="/files/0Bal858rWqF3Xyb9iqXt" %}

{% file src="/files/Ac34bRE8LMz64DwfHYC2" %}

{% file src="/files/1br4sYmGxNSXF2bOyv35" %}

***

### <mark style="color:$primary;">Good practices for the Initial Assessment phase by CHS commitments</mark>

#### People and communities affected by crisis

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### 1. Can exercise their rights and participate in actions and decisions that affect them

<mark style="color:$danger;">Essential</mark>

* Involve communities and people affected by crisis in the closure review, evaluations, and handover. &#x20;
* Make sure that all groups of stakeholders are informed about the achievements and the termination of the project.
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### 2. Access timely and effective support in accordance with their specific needs

<mark style="color:$danger;">Essential</mark>

* Evaluate the extent to which the project addressed the affected communities’ needs and generated positive changes for them.
* If need be, refer all needs not covered to relevant organisations or advocate for them to be covered.
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### 3. Are better prepared and more resilient to potential crises

<mark style="color:$danger;">Essential</mark>

* Finalise the exit strategy that was planned to ensure long term positive effects or justify any changes.
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### 4. Access support that does not cause harm to people or the environment

<mark style="color:$danger;">Essential</mark>

* Make sure environmental impacts have been properly managed/mitigated.
* Store data properly in safe spaces. Any paper documents containing sensitive data should be equally secured or destroyed if necessary, and when possible.
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### 5. Can safely report concerns and complaints and get them addressed

<mark style="color:$danger;">Essential</mark>

* Make sure all feedback and complaints have been addressed managed before the closure of the project.
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### 6. Access coordinated and complementary support

<mark style="color:$danger;">Essential</mark>

* Share final project information with other organisations intervening in the same area.
* Ensure the effectiveness of activity transfers and their continuity in response to the needs and expectations of communities
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### 7. Access support that is continually adapted and improved based on feedback and learning

<mark style="color:$danger;">Essential</mark>

* Identify, formalize and disseminate the main lessons learnt from this experience and any innovations, including community feedback.
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### 8. Interact with staff and volunteer that are respectful, competent and well-managed.

<mark style="color:$danger;">Essential</mark>

* Anticipate the end of human resources contracts and facilitate staff transition.

<mark style="color:$success;">Ideal</mark>

* Organise an internal team event to promote team achievements.
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### 9. Can expect resources are managed ethically and responsibly.

<mark style="color:$danger;">Essential</mark>

* Provide the necessary financial, time and logistical resources for the closure of the project.
* Make sure that project resources (especially real estate and equipment) are used by relevant partners or stakeholders after project completion.
* Share key information and lessons learnt with the relevant partners and through the appropriate communication channels.
  {% endstep %}
  {% endstepper %}