The CRAOL Development Ladder is a self assessment tool for groups aspiring to set up or who are currently running a community radio station in Ireland.
Each stage in a check list format sets out clear targets to achieve in progressing towards a full licence (Stages 1-4) or improving the effectiveness and impact of their station (Stage 5-onwards currently under development)
In addition to its use by the group, the Development Ladder also allows CRAOL to target development assistance appropriately and to anticipate potential future demand for full-licences.
CRAOL Resources and support are currently being developed for and are available to all Associate Members to assist in achieving the milestones of each stage.
The CRAOL Development Ladder is a simple checklist of practical targets relevant to each stage of development of a Community Radio station. The current stages are.
Stage 1 is "Getting Going"
Stage 2 is "Proving Yourself - Ready to run a successful temporary Licence"
Stage 3 is "Ready to go for a Full licence/ Associate B CRAOL Membership
Stage 4 is "Going on-air (fully licenced)"
Stages 5+ for fully licenced stations are currently under development.
Each stage builds on the one before it.
The CRAOL Development Ladder allows boards of community radio stations to set and prioritise strategic operational targets. It enables self-evaluation by stations and the identification and addressing of weaknesses. Initially even 'strong' stations may find that they are weak in particular areas.
The CRAOL 'Ladder' approach to station development is similar to child development stages, UEFA coaching badges or proficiency in music. The Development Ladder approach identifies developmental stages for each community station with key capabilities demonstrable at each stage.
The ladder looks at areas of:
- community ownership,
- management structures,
- listenership,
- social gain,
- financial sustainability,
- programming,
- volunteerism,
- operations,
- community engagement
Craol Members have access to a rich range of resources from worked examples to best practice guidelines in order to help them reach their identified targets.
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