Evidence and shared impact measurement
Shared measurement is about learning together. It starts with asking: How can I compare the impact of our work with other charities who do similar things? How can I compare the impact of funding compared with other funders? And what’s the best way for charities to build an evidence base together?
We think charities and funders have a lot to learn from one another about what works, and that for many, there is a lack of robust evidence to underpin their work. We also know evaluation is hard and that the resources and capacity just aren’t there.
Shared measurement offers charities and funders who share similar goals an exciting opportunity to collect and/or share similar types of data to build a better understanding about what works and how charities in a particular sector are creating social change.
With Covid-19 forcing charities to work together, now is a good time to consider what we can learn from each other and what impact we have collectively.
There are different ways charities and funders can do shared measurement. Read our guidance on shared measurement and find out more about the collaborative projects we’ve worked on. If you want to find our more or you’re unsure where to start, we’d love to hear from you.
Starting to measure your impact
Take your first steps into measuring, understanding, and improving your impact through good impact practice.
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Featured resources and commentary on shared measurement
Blog
How the voluntary sector can make better use of evidence
Charities and funders need to be brilliant at understanding what works best, where, why and for whom. But right now, as a sector, we are not making the most of what we know. Anne Kazimirski looks at what is needed for this to change.
Resources
Towards an evidence-led social sector
NPC believes that the effective use of evidence increases charities’ positive impact. But this potential is unrealised because good practices and systems are lacking. Here we set out what it looks like to use evidence effectively and suggest ways to achieve it.
Blog
Why charities should collect less impact data
Drawing from our recent paper, Under the microscope, James Noble revisits the two main reasons we should be collecting impact data, and explains why they mean we should think before we measure.
Latest updates
Blog
Jonathan Breckon: Where next for the impact and what works agenda?
To mark our 20th birthday, we spoke with Jonathan Breckon to ask: Where next for the impact and what works agenda?
Resources
Impact practices: getting started
The cycle of good impact practice provides simple, step-by-step guidance for how to plan your impact, carry out measurement, assess the data you collect, and review your work. It is a four-step process and there are lots of practical, downloadable resources to support you along the way.
Resources
YIF: Dashboard
Our interactive dashboard providing an overview of the shared evaluation of the Youth Investment Fund.
Talk to us
Got a question, or want to work with us on building an evidence-led social sector? We’d love to hear from you.
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