Welcome to our February impact round-up. Each month in NCVO Charities Evaluation Services we summarise the latest news in impact and evaluation and share useful guides, resources and data collection tools.
Working with quantitative data
Sharing quantitative data can be a really useful way for charities to show how much change has occurred as a result of their work. But numbers don’t always speak for themselves. Many charities we work with have run surveys, but find it harder to articulate what the percentages or averages really mean. Our how-to guide has tips on analysing quantitative data so you can report effectively and use numbers to make better decisions.
New guide on involving users in shaping services
Inspiring Impact has a new guide on how to involve users in shaping services, with examples from national and local charities doing work around mental health, homelessness and domestic violence. The guide is published on Inspiring Impact’s new website, which also hosts the Measuring Up! self-assessment as well as a range of data collection tools in the resource hub.
Opportunity to join an impact peer network
The Impact Management Programme helps charities looking for social investment to improve how they make decisions based on their impact. The programme is building peer networks around the country so organisations can work together to improve impact management. Attendance at the peer network events is free and there is a small amount of money available to cover travel costs. Sign up for an event or read reflections on a recent event.
NCVO’s Annual Conference
On 16 April, our Annual Conference will focus on the importance of thinking differently when leading a charity. Highlights include Sir Stuart Etherington’s state of the sector address and the opportunity to get expert one-to-one advice. We’re running an interactive impact breakout session, where we’ll look at how a focus on evaluation and impact can help your organisation not just survive, but thrive. View the full programme and book here.
On the blogs
- The Centre for Youth Impact and the Paul Hamlyn Foundation share thoughts on funders and evaluation in the youth sector.
- Nesta celebrates five years of the UK What Works Centres.
- The RSA launches a programme to improve how arts practitioners use evidence
Training and events
NCVO provides training and events covering a range of topics, from impact to governance, volunteer management and data protection reform – with discounts for NCVO members (not a member? Find out more).
Here’s what’s coming up:
- Developing your theory of change – 6 March (20% off in our spring sale) or 24 April
- How to assess the outcomes of funded work (course for funders and commissioners) – 23 March (20% off in our spring sale)
- Outcome and impact measurement – 12 April
- Data protection – a course to help you navigate the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) reforms:
Harriet is a senior consultant at NCVO Charities Evaluation Services – the team helps voluntary organisations, volunteering programmes and their funders with practical impact measurement and evaluation. 
