Jane Holdsworth 20 January 2011 The terminology of outcomes and impact How to evidence outcomes and impact Methods for collecting evidence Sources of further support, advice and information Funders Commissioning Every Child Matters framework Pioneers Voluntary Sector led initiatives The efficiency agenda Organisational effectiveness Ensures a focus on the needs of the client Highlights what works well and what can be improved Useful tool for planning and resource allocation Motivating for staff and clients Helps to demonstrate achievements to funders and commissioners The change, effect or benefit that results from the services or activities on a wider society than its direct users. It is often long term, broad and sustainable and can include affecting policy decisions at government level. Longer term than outcomes Often goes beyond the original target group May be the cumulative effect of a range of outcomes Outcomes are the necessary precursors to impact May not be relevant for some small organisations outputs outcomes impact What do your funders mean by impact? What does your organisation want to measure? What do you have the resources to measure? What impact do you want to have? Be clear about your aims Identify relevant outcomes and indicators Develop data collection tools and pilot Ensure your IT systems can manage the data Regularly analyse, use and report on information You will usually need to collect information at least twice to be able to compare results over time. There are a huge variety of data collection tools available but the main ways to collect outcome information are: Self assessment by clients Interviews Observation Record keeping Funders often find outcomes data is limited, incomplete or not convincing Inappropriate outcomes can be set by funders Collating and aggregating data can be difficult Insufficient staff skills and resources Lack of knowledge about appropriate IT tools Be clear and realistic about what your organisation can measure Plan and produce evaluation material which is credible Work more collaboratively to share evaluation resources and good practice Charities Evaluation ServicesEvaluation Support ScotlandToynbee Halls Outcome measurement tools collectionA guide to measuring childrens well beingMeasuring Impact toolkit Kent Childrens FundThe Evaluators Cookbook NECF Bassacs Community Impact Programme