Measuring Impact - Nicva

30 Measuring Impact – Case-studies of impact assessment
Findings 5.3
The primary aim of the study was to evaluate this approach for identifying and measuring
impact. However, the results of this study also provide information on a range of possible
types of impact that could form the basis of an interview structure or questionnaire relevant
to any voluntary sector activity, and particularly community-based activities.
The findings are divided into themes that correspond roughly to the interview structure,
although additional topics emerged during the analysis. Although the emphasis of the interviews
was on the impact of the specific projects, more general impacts were also identified,
relating to regeneration activities or the voluntary sector in general.
5.3.1 Raising an area’s profile
It is recognised that there is a role for regeneration activities in ‘putting an area on the map’, or
raising its profile. This is likely to be the case with regeneration activities that generate media
attention, like the Lansbury Festival, and is particularly relevant where an area is ‘in the shadow’
of other more commercially significant or attractive areas. This is a common feeling on the
Lansbury estate, which is in close proximity to the thriving City of London and Docklands areas.
“The Isle of Dogs is a multi-billion-pound development...there is a community right in the
foothills...in a sense we feel like the Sherpas, and you’ve got these Europeans coming along
who conquered Everest. It’s like we’re making them aware that there’s a community here.”
– Local resident and activist, Lansbury estate
It is thought that there is also a role for regeneration in bringing an area in line with other
areas; for example, by delivering the kind of arts festival which is commonplace in other
neighbourhoods.
5.3.2 New skills and opportunities
One of the most significant impacts for volunteers, participants and staff was the opportunity to
engage in activities that not only contribute to the development of new skills but also to quality
of life. All of the projects in question offered the opportunity for volunteers and participants to
develop new skills. The Lansbury Festival for example, provided the chance for people to bid
for funding, organise activities, speak and perform in public and lead guided tours.
“There were children’s groups putting on performances at the architectural conference
in front of really senior people and that takes some courage, and it gives them a feeling
of self-worth.”
– Member of staff, Leaside Regeneration Ltd
“People who took part in the Lansbury Festival discovered skills they never knew they had.”
– Member of staff, London Development Agency
Volunteers for Lea Rivers Trust have the opportunity to work on boats, to get involved in a
range of environmental projects and to witness wildlife at close quarters.
“...we got to within about 12 feet of this kestrel feeding on its prey – who would have
thought that in the heart of East London you’d get to see something like that”
– Member of staff, Lea Rivers Trust