Step 1: Create additional users if required
Administrator users are able to add additional users for their organisation into the Reporting Tool. This allows multiple users to work on the same annual report/action plan. Manage users via Administration >> Manage users.
Step 2: Review and familiarise
Before using the Reporting Tool, please read through the Information tab. This tab provides instructions on how to use the Reporting Tool, information on the Framework structure, detail on each of the criteria, and definitions.
Step 3: Complete your annual report
Click on the Reporting >> Setup Annual Report tab to begin your APCO Annual Report. This will ask for confirmation of your organisation’s details, setup data, and consent to the terms and conditions of using the Reporting Tool. Please note, only an administrator user for your organisation can complete the setup process.
At this stage you will also be required to set your baseline metric; please select this baseline metric carefully. Should you need to amend this metric, you are able to do so via Administration >> Change Baseline Metric after your report has been setup.
Once you have set up your report, you will be able to work through the annual report questions. This can be accessed via Reporting >> Your Annual Report. You are able to work through the criteria in any order you wish.
Note: Clicking on Back, Next or Save buttons will save your progress. The Back button will take you to the previous criteria, the Next button will take you to the next criteria, and the Save button will keep you on the same criteria.
Step 4: Finalise and submit your annual report
Once all sections of the annual report have been completed, an administrator user will be able to submit your organisation’s annual report.
Please review your responses thoroughly, as you will be unable to make any further changes to your responses following submission. Responses can be viewed within each criteria, or by downloading your responses via Reporting >> Your Responses (PDF).
You will be required to indicate the name and position details of an executive level delegate that has approved the content of your report to complete the submission.
Step 5: Review your results
Following your annual report submission, a Performance Summary will become available via Results >> Your Reports. The Performance Summary can be used by Members when completing an APCO Action Plan.
Step 6: Prepare and submit action plan
Your action plan can be completed via Action Plan>>Your Action Plan. The action plan form allows Members to commit/recommit to a performance level for each of the reporting criteria, as well as indicating which elements of their 2020 APCO Annual Report they would like to share in their Annual Report and Action Plan document which will be made public on the APCO website, and which APCO Members are required to post on their own websites.
The process for completing the APCO Annual Report and Action Plan includes:
- Select your action plan period.
You may choose to set a one, two or three year action plan. - Select a commitment level for each criteria.
Results from your most recent annual report will be prefilled for your reference, including existing levels and next level recommendations.
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- For Conditional criteria: Please select either your existing level or higher.
- For Additive: Please recommit to your existing achievements and at least one additional commitment.
Core criteria have a minimum commitment threshold.
If a level below your existing level is chosen, a pop-up window will be presented and your selection will default to your existing level. If you would like to change your existing level please contact the Member Services team.
- Select your annual report responses to include in the public facing document.
You may choose which of the following elements of your 2020 APCO Annual Report to include in your public facing Annual Report and Action Plan:
– Targets
– Free Form responses
– Case studies - Obtain internal approval and click submit.
For further support, watch the APCO Annual Reporting Support Tutorial.