Welcome to our September 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.
What works in preventing serious youth violence
The Big Lottery Fund has published a new insight report sharing learning from the voluntary sector on what works in preventing serious youth violence. The report highlights examples of proven and promising practices from charities across the country, covering prevention, early intervention and partnership-based approaches. Case studies come from Leap Confronting Conflict, St Giles Trust, Fight for Peace and more. Big Lottery also share their reflections on what has worked in planning, designing and implementing funding programmes in the field.
Insights from youth work impact measurement
Earlier this month we attended the Centre for Youth Impact’s Gathering 2018. The theme was ‘impact, power and change’, and speakers included Shelter’s chief executive Polly Neate. We heard reflections on the role of evidence in strengthening the youth sector and on the place of power in evaluation. Read our Twitter thread for thoughts from the day.
Improve your data collection and impact reporting
With the summer holiday season well and truly over, are your thoughts turning to how you can collect better impact data, and report on the difference you make to colleagues, funders and partners?
Our practical training courses on collecting outcome and impact data and better outcome and impact reporting are both running this autumn. Book a place to build your confidence in choosing data collection methods that work for you, understand how to collect good quality data and develop skills to deliver compelling and useful reports. You can also check out our free impact guidance on Knowhow Nonprofit.
New outcomes tool for perinatal mental health and wellbeing
Triangle Consulting has launched a new version of the Outcomes Star for organisations working with parents who need extra support with their perinatal mental health and wellbeing (during pregnancy and the first year after having a baby). The Parent and Baby Star was developed in collaboration with organisations including The Stefanou Foundation and East and North Hertfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group. Find out more about using the Star or read about how it was developed (PDF, 873KB).
Data4Good conference: Early bird bookings open
Early bird tickets are now available for the UK’s first national Data4Good conference on 14 November in Birmingham, co-organised by NCVO, Data Orchard and other charities. The event will inspire and connect leaders and practitioners from charities, social enterprises, and funders interested in exploring the new possibilities of data. You’ll hear from inspiring data-driven charities, and explore how advances in open and shared data, new technologies, and the drive towards impact evidence are transforming how organisations, networks and communities build for a sustainable future. Book now for early bird tickets.
Tips on reviewing your impact practice
Inspiring Impact’s Measuring Up! free self-assessment tool helps organisations review and improve how they plan, gather evidence, communicate and learn from the difference their work makes. Staff and volunteers at the Royal Docks Learning and Activity Centre recently tried it out in a workshop. In their new blog, the centre’s director Joy-Caron Canter and our consultant Sarah Menzies share their process, experience and tips for any other organisation thinking of running a similar session.
Book launch: Ethics for real-world researchers
Our associate Helen Kara will formally launch her new book Research Ethics in the Real World: Euro-Western and Indigenous Perspectives (Policy Press, 2018) at this 8 November event. Helen will address the importance of research ethics for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods researchers. She will outline the links between research ethics and individual, social, professional, institutional and political ethics, and demonstrate how those play out in practice.
On the blogs and social media
- New report from the Centre for Ageing Better, on the available evidence on what enables people to plan for later life.
- Measuring wellbeing impact as an arts charity: Artis Foundation tell the What Works Centre for Wellbeing about their experiences.
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 (1-day course) – 12 October or 4 December
- Outcome and impact measurement (2-day course) – 7 and 8 November
- Developing your theory of change – 25 October or 11 December
- Collecting outcome and impact data – 14 November
- Strategic planning: creating the right process for your organisation – 16 November
- Better outcome and impact reporting – 21 November
- Managing data protection in the charity sector – 8 October
- An introduction to data protection in the charity sector – 29 October
We can also come to you. Our courses can be delivered at your venue, providing an affordable way to train groups of staff, trustees or volunteers. Contact us for more information.
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. 
