The Global Network Self-audit supports the implementation of the Global Standards.  It provides a robust process for assessing performance against the Global Standards and informs planning for ongoing improvement.

The Global Network has developed a self-audit tool which provides a structured format for assessing and recording the status of implementation for each of the implementation criteria that make up the eight Global Standards. The tool can be downloaded from this website in various languages.

Information and evidence about the status of implementation is gathered and summarised on the self-audit tool. The implementation status is then scored for each criterion - from 0 (no implementation) to 3 (full implementation) and the maximum possible score is 144.

The tool also enables recording of general statements about planning actions resulting from the assessment. Such actions can then be explored in more detail in the planning process.

It is unlikely that one person within the organisation will have all the information needed to effectively complete the audit process. It is therefore important that those responsible for the various aspects of implementation have input. This may include:

• senior executives and policy makers
• clinical leaders and clinicians
• those responsible for signage and environmental management
• educators
• those responsible for staff health including occupational health and safety personnel
• communication personnel
• health information personnel
• and others depending on the accountabilities within your health service.

The person(s) mainly responsible for the tobacco management policy should take the lead in facilitating these inputs and ensuring understanding of the audit process to support a robust process. It may therefore be appropriate for this person to undertake an initial audit before engaging with the broader team.

Given the inputs required, it is expected that completion of the audit may take significant investigation, particularly when conducted for the first time. This is time very well spent as it is an investment in future improvement.