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Understand if you're making a difference

A small amount of well-collected, meaningful data is better than a large amount of inconsistently collected data".

'Volunteering and early childhood outcomes: A review of the evidence'. Big Lottery Fund 2016. IVAR and Parents 1st

Once up and running, you want the programme to make the biggest possible difference to the families you support.

Reviewing your programme will enable you to understand if you’re making a difference, why or why not, and what you can do to improve. The process can also help you demonstrate to others how it works and what it can achieve.

Principles for measurement and data collection

  • Collect ‘just enough’ data. Good data collection is time-consuming and can be difficult. It is better to measure a few things well than try and measure a lot and not get sufficient information on anything.
  • Consider how you will collect measurement data before deciding to use a particular measure.

                   - Who will the data need to be collected from – e.g. mums, volunteers, programme coordinator?
                   - When will data need to be collected – e.g. first session only, every session, 3 months
                      following the end of the programme?
                   - Who will collect the data?
                   - Who has the time and skills required?
                   - What tools will be used to measure?
                   - How will the data be recorded and stored?

For more information

Please download the Manual Guide: Reviewing and improving your programme below.

Manual Guide: Reviewing and improving your programme

Added 09/03/2020

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