To begin with, ask yourself if your Work Integration Programme (WIP) responds to the actual needs and conditions of the environment. Time spent in this process is time well invested, so take your time and don’t rush things.

What should you take into consideration?

• The local context
• The target-group participants
• Support networks
• Relevant stakeholders
• Evidence-based models
• Best practice programmes
• Public policies

Make sure that no relevant source of information is neglected.

What information collection strategies are there?

• Local needs assessments
• Direct contact with relevant actors
• Focus groups with relevant individuals (be they all from the same group or not)
• Visits/meetings in other WIPs
• Literature/desktop research

If the data collected provides unexpected information, ask yourself the following questions:

• How much did I really know about this topic and/or this specific context?
• Was the data collection process thorough and solid?
• Am I willing to be responsive and adjust my initial thoughts and prospects, even if that means revising the (probably still blurred, at this stage) image I was projecting for this WIP?

Get to know the environment, adapt and be responsive.