Scope
The challenge
Scope is a large nationwide charity that provides information, advice, support and services for disabled people. When Scope came to NPC they were transforming their strategy. They wanted to see how they could influence change over the next 3–5 years, measure that change, and hold themselves to account for it. Scope commissioned us to support them in creating a theory of change for the whole organisation, and more detailed theories of change for their five strategic goals.
Our approach
NPC worked closely with Scope from the outset in order to familiarise themselves with existing processes and outcomes, and determine how these would feed into the overall organisational theory of change. We ran four full day workshops where Scope staff contributed ideas and collaborated with each other and NPC. NPC’s final products included six theories of change, as well as measurement guidance.
The result
Scope tell us they found this work and its outputs extremely valuable. They have noted that the theories of change have become a useful tool in conceptualising how we will achieve Everyday Equality and the theory of change has helped link all our activities to our social change focus. Scope have recruited an Impact Manager and are using these theories of change to influence how they measure their impact going forward.
The process brought people together and got them in the same place and that staff found this motivating.
Ann Bird
Executive Director of Policy and Research, Scope
Resources
Theory of change: The beginning of making a difference
On 28 January 2013.
More and more charities are using theories of change, and more funders are asking to see them. So what is a theory of change, and why is it so valuable?
Resources
Creating your theory of change: NPC’s practical guide
On 19 November 2014.
A theory of change is a tool that allows you to describe the need you are trying to address, the changes you want to make (your outcomes), and what you plan to do (your activities). It can help you improve your strategy, measurement, communication and partnership working.
Resources
Building your measurement framework: NPC’s four pillar approach
On 4 June 2014.
At NPC we believe in impact measurement as a way for charities and funders to increase their effectiveness. Here we share our guidance.