Self-assessment using a whole-of-organisation approach to embedded literacy and numeracy has three characteristics:

1. Each element in the Whole-of-Organisation Framework is assessed and reflected on.
   
   Each element, or a small set of elements together, are being considered in depth. Strengths are identified, based on documented evidence. Areas for improvement are identified as well, and preliminary actions for improvement suggested.
    
2. The assessment and reflection is carried out against criteria that are coherent across the organisation.
   
   Each element is judged against criteria that focus on achieving the embedded literacy and numeracy aim, objectives and benchmarks of the organisation, and reflect good practices in embedded literacy and numeracy.
    
3. The self-assessment findings and their interrelationships are reflected on as a whole in order to develop a cross-organisational picture of strengths and action for improvement of embedded literacy and numeracy.
   
   Once all elements have been assessed, all identified strengths, areas for improvement and preliminary actions for improvement are considered in relation to each other. A cross-organisational overview of strengths plus evidence is created. Areas for improvement and preliminary actions are combined and reviewed to identify potential larger-scale action projects that need to be put in motion. An organisational action plan is created. 

The above process can also be applied to a department or other unit within an organisation, or to a single programme.

The ELN Self-Assessment Tool has been created to support this process at organisational, organisational unit, as well as programme level.