Measuring Impact - Nicva

Assessing the impact of regeneration projects 27
Assessing the impact
of regeneration projects
5
Susan Wainwright,NCVO
This study focuses on unanticipated, long-term and collective impacts.Three projects,
supported by an SRB (Single Regeneration Budget) funded regeneration partnership in East
London were the focus of the study. A qualitative approach was used, based on interviews
with project managers, volunteers, funders, local residents and other stakeholders.There
were three main aims: to identify the main types of impact that arose; to test the feasibility
of identifying unanticipated, long-term and collective impact; and to translate lessons learnt
into practical guidance for voluntary organisations.
Introduction 5.1
The study by NCVO aimed to assess the feasibility of identifying aspects of impact (i.e.
collective, unanticipated and long-term) that cannot be adequately measured using existing
tools. The approach recognised that organisations operate within a complex wider network
of organisations and people, including local residents, funders, the local council, local businesses,
volunteers, partner organisations, intended beneficiaries and so on. The main aims of
the study were to:
• identify impacts using a qualitative approach, taking into account the system in
which an organisation exists;
• assess the feasibility of identifying and measuring these impacts;
• highlight lessons learnt for organisations measuring their impact, and in particular
the more difficult-to-measure elements of impact.