Event

Introduction to Outcome Based Planning and Evaluation

04/11/2010

This one-day course provides an opportunity for participants to understand the elements of outcomes based planning and evaluation using Theory of Change, an established outcomes based methodology of increasing application in the UK.

The method focuses on defining and measuring clearly what a service or project is seeking to achieve rather than simply detailing the actions that will take place.  It is an explicit, transparent explanation using causal modelling and text to show the detail of how, when and why change will happen in a given context; and how practitioners will know when they have been successful.

It is used successfully as a detailed planning methodology for both large and small organisations, projects, programmes and interventions across the private, public and voluntary sectors.  As part of the methodology requires the specific definition of performance, it also creates an evaluation framework for organisations against which to measure success.

The programme will show participants the building blocks required to bring about a given long-term goal and construct a planning map know as a pathway of change.  The pathway will be developed to include performance indicators for each outcome; the assumptions and rationales which underpin the pathway; and intervention or actions.  Finally participants will be shown how the performance indicators identified in their pathway can be used to monitor progress and assess the impact of their work.

 

Course outcomes

 Programme participants will:

• Understand the building blocks of outcomes based planning and evaluation, using a Theory of Change methodology;

• Understand the application of a Theory of Change template to develop an outcomes pathway and establish a performance management and evaluation framework in their workplace.

 

Technical Area (National Occupational Standard/Level)

 The learning outcomes and content are targeted at Natiional Qualification Framework Level 4/5