Understanding Outcomes Version 2.1 – September 2008 Slide 1 Understanding outcomes BIG’s approach to outcomes for applicants

Understanding Outcomes Version 2.1 – September 2008 Slide 2 What this session will cover  What BIG expects from applicants  What BIG means by project aim, outcomes, activities, milestones  How BIG measures progress

Understanding Outcomes Version 2.1 – September 2008 Slide 3 What BIG expect from applicants  Identify the need  Develop an aim  Develop SMART outcomes  Work up activities  Measure progress  Monitoring

Understanding Outcomes Version 2.1 – September 2008 Slide 4 Identifying the need  Identify the need and explain it  Evidence  asking people  own experience  research  local statistics

Understanding Outcomes Version 2.1 – September 2008 Slide 5 Project aim The overall purpose of the project, described in simple language Example To improve young people’s health and involvement in the community  Should be something that can be achieved or at least you can strongly influence  The project aim is a summary of why the project exists

Understanding Outcomes Version 2.1 – September 2008 Slide 6 Project outcomes  What needs to change for the project to achieve its aim?  What difference will the project make for the beneficiaries?  Big Lottery Fund will ask projects to identify 4-6 outcomes

Understanding Outcomes Version 2.1 – September 2008 Slide 7 SMART outcomes Use words that indicate change like more, better, increased, reduced, improved Outcomes must be SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-based Example 300 young people will have increased their fitness levels and have enjoyed improved physical health by 31 December 2010

Understanding Outcomes Version 2.1 – September 2008 Slide 8 Project activities  What is going to be done to bring about the intended outcomes? Example  What tasks, services, activities will you carry out?  Use words to describe what you will do, for example “provide”, “run”, “promote”

Understanding Outcomes Version 2.1 – September 2008 Slide 9 Overall aim Activities The overall point of your project Intended outcomes The difference you intend to make or the change you aim to bring about – for your beneficiaries The main services and activities you plan to carry out – what those working on your project will actually do, week by week.

Understanding Outcomes Version 2.1 – September 2008 Slide 10 Overall aim Activities Community action days Recruit, check and train volunteers Peer support for up to young people Encourage and train young people as volunteers Start and facilitate a youth club at the community centre for young people Young people are more confident about expressing opinions Young people are more aware of options available Increased skills for young people More positive community attitude to young people Young people positively engaged in the community Intended outcomes

Understanding Outcomes Version 2.1 – September 2008 Slide 11 Overall aim Activities Community action days Recruit, check and train volunteers Peer support for up to young people Encourage and train young people as volunteers Start and facilitate a youth club at the community centre for young people 20 Young people are more confident about expressing opinions by end of project 40 Young people are more aware of options available by end of project Increased skills for 20 young people by end of project More positive community attitude to young people by end of project Young people positively engaged in the community SMART Intended outcomes

Understanding Outcomes Version 2.1 – September 2008 Slide 12 Milestones  The steps along the way to achieving the outcomes  What do you hope to achieve, for how many people and by when?  Target setting - Be realistic when estimating numbers  SMART milestones Example: Project co-ordinator in place – January 2010 Work started with beneficiaries – April young people attend a summer basketball tournament – August 2011

Understanding Outcomes Version 2.1 – September 2008 Slide 13 Measuring and monitoring progress  Monitoring takes time but will enable projects to report on their progress  Projects will be asked about progress towards achieving  milestones  outcomes  Projects will need to explain how progress has been measured

Understanding Outcomes Version 2.1 – September 2008 Slide 14 Big Lottery Fund Outcomes Community learning and creating opportunity Promoting community cohesion and safety Promoting wellbeing Outcome People having better chances in life, with better access to training and development to improve their life skills Outcome Stronger communities, with more active citizens, working together to tackle their problems Outcome Improved rural and urban environments, which communities are better able to access and enjoy Outcome Healthier and more active people and communities

Understanding Outcomes Version 2.1 – September 2008 Slide 15 Exercise In groups of 4 or 5 Consider the scenario handed to your group, using the outcomes triangle you need to come up with: a project aim 4-6 project outcomes suggested activities and if time, some milestones. You have 30 minutes to complete this task pick someone to feedback your ideas to the main group

Understanding Outcomes Version 2.1 – September 2008 Slide 16 Explaining the Difference For more information go to: Fact sheets are available on: sources of support; investigating and writing about need; using questionnaires and surveys ‘Explaining the difference your project makes’ is a BIG guide to using an outcomes approach.

Understanding Outcomes Version 2.1 – September 2008 Any questions?