Welcome to our June impact round-up. Each month at NCVO Charities Evaluation Services we summarise the latest news in impact and evaluation and share useful guides, resources and data collection tools.
How we’ve used your feedback
Used effectively, evaluation findings can shape the work you do in the future and focus attention on how to achieve your intended outcomes and impact – bringing you closer to realising the change your organisation wants to see. In her latest blog, our head of planning, digital and communications Megan Griffith-Gray discusses how we used the findings from our 2017 annual member survey to help us strengthen what we do. If you’re a member of NCVO and would like to tell us what you think, there’s still time to complete this year’s survey here. Or if you’d like some tips on using evaluation findings to improve how your organisation works, read our how-to guide.
Responsiveness: better use of data for decision making
The Impact Management Programme has worked with a whole host of voluntary organisations who are working to improve their services after reflecting on data they’ve collected. In a recent blog, Ben Carpenter from programme partner Social Value UK argues that the next challenge for many is how to use different types of information (including outcome and impact data) to make decisions. Read Ben’s blog here or find out more about five types of data to collect when assessing your programme or service.
Come and join our team
Passionate about making the voluntary sector more effective? We’re recruiting for a new lead consultant, with an expert understanding of evaluation in practice, to be part of our expanding team. Come and join us to deliver high-level consultancy and training, and lead on external evaluations. It’s a highly rewarding role, where you’ll support organisations to learn, develop and strengthen the work they do. The deadline for applications is 10 July – find out more here.
On the blogs
- The What Works Centre for Wellbeing looks at the evidence for how far housing interventions for vulnerable adults impact on wellbeing.
- Nesta on how organisations who are part of its Arts Impact Fund are making a difference.
- Thoughts on the Holy Grail: the Centre for Youth Impact and NPC reflect on the difficulties associated with seeking ‘proof’ of impact and on opportunities to identify useful research questions in the youth sector.
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:
- Outcome and impact measurement (2-day course) – 12 and 13 July, or 7 and 8 November
- Outcome and impact measurement (1-day course) – 4 September or 12 October
- Developing your theory of change – 11 September
- Collecting outcome and impact data – 14 November
- Better outcome and impact reporting – 21 November
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. 
