Measuring Impact - Nicva

46 Measuring Impact – Case-studies of impact assessment
Methodology 7.2
7.2.1 Background: Ardoyne Focus Group (AFG)
Ardoyne in Belfast, an area synonymous with street violence and killings, is representative of
the deprivation typical in Northern Ireland. The area is characterised by a Catholic population,
with a much larger Protestant population in neighbouring areas. Conflict between the
two communities resulted in the erection of a number of peace walls – a government attempt
to reduce conflict. Clear boundaries now separate Protestant and Catholic communities living
next to each other. Although the peace walls stopped some of the violence, they restricted the
natural growth of the area and prevented access to services such as leisure facilities, play
resources and shops. The area of Ardoyne often receives negative media coverage.
Ardoyne Focus Group was established in 1996 to network and co-ordinate the various
community groups operating within Ardoyne. Previously, competition for funding fuelled
segregation of these community groups. AFG has been responsible for various initiatives in
the area, but its primary role is one of consultation, support and capacity building. This
recently included a project to address skills deficiencies in the Ardoyne and Marrowbone
communities. AFG has also attempted to address the severe deprivation in Ardoyne by
uniting groups that were previously not willing to work together. This study focuses on AFG’s
work to tackle the many aspects of deprivation, and the impact of this work.
7.2.2 Using the systems approach
The study aimed to ensure that all the stakeholder groups involved with the various activities
carried out by AFG were included. Stakeholders were identified through meetings with the
co-ordinator and staff of AFG.
The production of a network or system map provided a useful starting point. Drafted with
the help of AFG staff, the map showed how AFG related to its stakeholders. This map was an
important aid to identification of stakeholders, as it triggered thinking about related groups.
Stakeholders included:
• residents of Ardoyne;
• groups affiliated to AFG;
• groups working in Ardoyne who are not affiliated to AFG;
• voluntary groups from surrounding communities; and other private and public
sector organisations.
The second stage involved the production of a model representing each stage of the community
development process (i.e. the activities of AFG). This was then used to assess how the
activities carried out by AFG and described in the interview process fitted with the overall
aims of the organisation.