Measuring Impact - Nicva
Measuring Impact - Nicva
Measuring Impact - Nicva
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Introduction 7<br />
Introduction:<br />
impact assessment<br />
and the UK voluntary sector<br />
1<br />
Karl Wilding, NCVO<br />
Introduction 1.1<br />
To the newcomer working in the UK voluntary sector, the wide range of terms associated<br />
with the identification and assessment of performance and achievements must be confusing.<br />
Things start simply enough: an organisation may have a mission, and this usually incorporates<br />
a vision or a set of values. But then stakeholders want to know how, and if, the organisation<br />
is achieving its mission, and we start to enter less familiar territory. Far from simply<br />
describing its activities or even its outputs, an organisation may need to describe its<br />
outcomes, added value and impact (some people will now enquire whether a difference<br />
exists). And if the organisation cannot demonstrate its impact, does it have a sense of distance<br />
travelled Should it do this by developing or applying performance measures Or should the<br />
organisation engage in a benchmarking exercise Maybe it should adopt some quality standards<br />
Are some simple fundraising ratios sufficient Perhaps an evaluation exercise will help<br />
the organisation to decide. They could always get a consultant...<br />
This is, of course, an exaggeration. However, the ability to assess and report (though not<br />
necessarily quantify) achievement in relation to a mission statement does benefit an organisation<br />
and its stakeholders. Such an assessment may be undertaken for a number of reasons and<br />
may use one of a number of different approaches. Whatever the motivations, impact assessment<br />
is firmly on the agenda.<br />
From inputs to impact 1.2<br />
There is no single driver towards greater impact assessment and reporting. It is not simply a result<br />
of pressure from funders, but a natural evolution from the measurement of outputs (Figure 1.1). It<br />
builds on the measurement of outcomes by taking a longer-term, holistic view.