The Iowa Recognition For Performance Excellence (IRPE) depends entirely upon a volunteer Board of Examiners and Judges who evaluate candidate organizations and recommend Award recipients. Role of Board of Examiners Examiners and Senior Examiners review, provide feedback and score written applications. Some examiners participate in consensus evaluations and site visits that are led by Senior Examiners, and may prepare feedback reports to applicants. Judges review examiner feedback reports and make award recommendations. The judges rely on Examiner and Senior Examiner reports during their reviews. Members of the Board of Examiners will also contribute to the Iowa Recognition For Performance Excellence through outreach and educational activities.
EXAMINER QUALIFICATIONS: Expertise in business, education, or health care management, processes, and results Knowledge of practices and improvement strategies leading to performance excellence Length, breadth, and types of experience Written and verbal communication skills Leadership and interpersonal skills Education and Training Achievements and recognition Sector coverage and balance are also important selection considerations
TRAINING: All persons involved in the IRPE application review process attend a One-day Orientation class (August) followed by a Five-day class of hands-on learning (September). The one-day Orientation class prepares all Examiners for evaluating an IRPE application based on the Performance Excellence Criteria. The class includes a review of the criteria, scoring system, evaluation process, consensus development, comment writing, and code of ethical standards. After the Orientation, Examiners are given approximately one month to complete an evaluation Scorebook on their assigned IRPE application. During the five-day class, Examiners will work closely with team members, coaches, and IRPE experts to gain in-depth understanding of the Performance Excellence Criteria and the evaluation process; they will also use team member’s Scorebooks to produce a Consensus Scorebook/Feedback Report for the organization they are evaluating. Successful completion of this course is required.
INDIVIDUAL BENEFITS: Strengthen your ability to use the Baldrige Criteria for organizational assessment Network with peers and enhance your own personal development Review applications from organizations across Iowa Participate, if assigned, in site visit reviews of applicants Write feedback reports to applicants, if assigned Be invited to attend the annual presentation of the Iowa Recognition For Performance Excellence.
ORGANIZATIONAL BENEFITS: Examiners receive valuable training and experience in understanding and applying the Baldrige Criteria to a variety of organizations. Examiners develop analytical and consensus building skills and a systems perspective that can be applied in their home organizations.
TIME COMMITMENTS: Examiners contribute significant time (including training) to the Iowa Recognition for Performance Excellence, involving six to ten days plus 56-77 hours over the course of the year (from August to end of October). The actual commitment depends on the number of applications reviewed and whether the examiner participates in a site visit. Attendance at the Examiner Training courses is required for all examiners. The award’s critical review periods are:
- Independent Review: August - September
- Consensus Review: September
- Site Visits: October
Review of written applications is carried out at the Examiners work location or home. Travel may be necessary for training, Consensus Review, and Site Visits.
Register to be an IRPE Examiner here.
