Measuring Impact - Nicva

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Lessons learnt & guidance for future work 55 IMPACT FUNCTION RESOURCING SERVICE PROVISION VOICE / ADVOCACY MEMBERSHIP & REPRESENTATION Individuals New opportunities, Development of human capital Access to basic services, Additionality Voice Bridging/ Bonding social capital Other organisations Resource catalysis, Leverage Innovation, Expertise, Knowledge Community knowledge Linking social capital Sector/ Communities Social & economic regeneration, Sustainability Welfare pluralism, Reach, Added value Social inclusion Democratic pluralism, Social cohesion Table 8.1 – Impact themes and voluntary and community sector functions This is obviously not an exhaustive list, but it does provide a template for thinking about the impact of either an organisation or a cluster of organisations. For example, the table highlights that the service provision function of the sector in the first instance might result in additionality (the provision of services that otherwise the state would not or could not provide). It might also bring new ideas and practices that can be shared with other organisations, such as state providers. The impact of service provision on the community includes the ability to choose (welfare pluralism), which might otherwise not be possible, and the inclusion of hardto-reach groups. Following the identification of broad themes, the next stage for an organisation will be to think about the tools and approaches available. Our learning in this area is discussed in the following sections.
56 Measuring Impact – Case-studies of impact assessment Impact assessment:basic guidance 8.2 Before going into more detail about specific methods, there are some lessons that might underpin any approach to impact assessment: 8.2.1 Be realistic It is very easy to get carried away with the idea of impact assessment and think that an exercise should measure or demonstrate every impact of everything that an organisation does. However, no single tool exists which is capable of such a feat, and besides which, impact measurement can be an expensive business. With this in mind, it is important to be selective and realistic about the kinds of impact that you want to measure. In order to do this, you need to be clear about the reasons for measuring your impact. Why are you doing it Is it for a funder If so, what will they want to know Is it for internal motivation or continuous improvement Also, is it necessary to actually measure or quantify impact, or is it enough to simply identify or demonstrate it And how will it be reported, and to whom Questions like this will help an organisation to focus on what is really important for them, and to choose their approach accordingly. 8.2.2 Make use of existing tools Despite the decision by some organisations to develop impact measurement methodologies for themselves, this is not usually necessary. A wide range of tools exists, many in the form of off-theshelf methodologies or guides. As Chapter 2 noted, some are tailored to a particular aspect of impact, such as features that are unique to the voluntary sector, or a particular size of organisation. The wealth of literature and approaches available need not prove daunting. Overviews (such as the companion to this report 14 already exist, so organisations do not need to start from square one. Being realistic about what impacts you want to assess, and the reasons for doing it, will help in the selection and adaptation of an appropriate tool. 8.2.3 Fit for purpose Whichever tool you select or modify, think about whether it is fit for the purpose for which it is intended. For example, a series of indicators designed to assess impact from the perspective of trustees may not be appropriate for assessing impact from a user perspective. One way to address this question is to think about what dimension of impact you wish to measure (Figure 8.1). Different points on each continuum will lend themselves to different strategies for assessment: for example, assessment of unintended impact might necessitate the inclusion of a broader range of stakeholders than the assessment of intended impact. 14 Measuring Impact – A Guide to Resources (Wainwright, 2002)
Page 1 and 2:
Measuring Case-studies of impact as
Page 3 and 4:
Acknowledgements NCVO - Susan Wainw
Page 5 and 6: 4 Measuring Impact - Case-studies o
Page 8 and 9: Introduction 7 Introduction: impact
Page 10 and 11: Introduction 9 Figure 1.2 - Pressur
Page 12 and 13: Tools for impact assessment 11 Tool
Page 14 and 15: Tools for impact assessment 13 The
Page 16 and 17: Ideas underpinning impact assessmen
Page 18 and 19: Ideas underpinning impact assessmen
Page 20 and 21: Identifying & categorising the sect
Page 28 and 29: Assessing the impact of regeneratio
Page 40 and 41: Impact assessment involving users 3
Page 46 and 47: The development of indicators for i
Page 58 and 59: Lessons learnt & guidance for futur
Page 60 and 61: Lessons learnt & guidance for futur
Page 62 and 63: References & resources 61 Reference
Page 66: National Council for Voluntary Orga
show all

Measuring Impact - Nicva

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?