Measuring Impact - Nicva

Foreword 5
Foreword
Based on research carried out by the UK Voluntary Sector Research Group (a consortium of
the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), the Northern Ireland Council for
Voluntary Action (NICVA), the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) and
the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA)), this report explores approaches to the
assessment of impact in small and medium-sized voluntary organisations.
The report is aimed at those working in and with voluntary organisations who are interested
in assessing the impact of their organisation. It reviews the findings and lessons from four
different approaches to impact assessment, and ends with recommendations for those wishing
to engage in similar work. It is exploratory in nature and does not intend to offer a single or
complete solution.
This report is not a toolkit, nor is it a workbook. The validity and utility of our recommendations
will vary according to context. It is intended to complement some of the more quantitative,
indicator-driven approaches to impact assessment. The companion to this volume,
Measuring Impact – a Guide to Resources, identifies some of these approaches and where to
obtain further information on them.
The authors would like to thank the Community Fund, which financially supported the
project of which this report forms a part. We would also like to thank the many voluntary
organisations and community groups that gave time to our research.
Bryan Collis, WCVA
Marion Lacey, SCVO
Siobhan O’Hagan, NICVA
Ruchir Shah, SCVO
Susan Wainwright, NCVO
Karl Wilding, NCVO