Brilliant evaluations – how to…(Part 2)

Part two of the brilliant evaluation blog!

​If I had to sum up the single most important element underpinning the 4 signs of a great evaluation, I’d argue that it is clarity of purpose. Developing a theory of change can help with this. This should be agreed by everyone involved – a process of reflection and negotiation.


Making sure that everyone knows what you’re planning and why helps to ensure that all parts of an organization are working to the same goals. That includes everyone, from internal communications, operations and finance. 
 
The importance of effectively communicating the importance of impact evaluation throughout, and beyond, an organization was another key message that came through loud and clear at a recent Impact conference I attended.  The Change Foundation described how they have embedded impact into all organizational areas:

• Impact is in everyone's job description and targets
• They hold regular meetings scheduled to discuss impact changes
• They ensure everyone in the organization, including trustees, know about the 'success stories' of the people helped.  (I’d extend this further and suggest that there is real power in sharing this information appropriately outside the organization. For instance, passing information back to referrers about progress made)
• They recognize and reward 'impact champions' - those who make a real difference to creating impact.

So how could you take these ideas forwards?

1. Brief staff and volunteers on the outcomes and make sure they’re clear about the importance of collecting indicator data.
2. Develop an outcomes dashboard using ‘Red Amber Green’ scoring as a way to inform trustees and management about progress against targets.

 
But what if the outcomes your funder wants don’t align with your theory of change? ‘We gave the money back’ said Imago Community. They argue that attempting to deliver on objectives that do not fit with the priorities of your organization is just not worth it. And their story had a happy ending – they won a larger grant from a funder willing to support the outcomes they wanted to achieve.
 
So there you have it, 4 signs you’re on track for a brilliant evaluation, and an improved organization.