Practice · Tool or method
Effective Outcomes Measures & Systems
- Any issue
A practical, step-by-step method for selecting, designing and measuring outcome metrics that stand up to scrutiny, from Social Impact Bonds through to everyday charity impact reporting.
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- Free to licenseCreative Commons
- Field Guidechapters and guidance
- 12 resourcestemplates and tools
About this practice
What this practice gives you
Effective Outcomes Measures & Systems combines two proven UK approaches into one practical toolkit: Social Finance's technical guide for designing outcome metrics for Social Impact Bonds and outcomes-based contracts, and NPC's Four Pillar Approach for building an organisation-wide impact measurement framework.
Who it's for
Commissioners exploring outcomes-based commissioning or a Social Impact Bond, and charity or social enterprise leaders under pressure from funders to demonstrate impact but unsure where to start.
What you get
- A five-question funnel for selecting outcome metrics, and a fuller six-question decision process for outcomes-based contracts
- A structured comparison of attribution models (randomised control trials, matched control, historical baseline, tariff and before/after studies) so you can choose the right level of rigour for your budget and stakes
- NPC's four-step sequence for building a measurement framework: map your theory of change, prioritise what you measure, choose your level of evidence, select your sources and tools
- Real worked examples, including the Peterborough and Essex Social Impact Bonds and the DWP Innovation Fund outcomes tariff
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Who it’s for
Commissioners exploring outcomes-based contracts, and charity, social enterprise or funder staff needing to build a credible measurement framework.
Target population
Public sector commissioners considering outcomes-based commissioning or a Social Impact Bond, and charity, social enterprise and funder staff (particularly impact, evaluation or fundraising leads) who need to build or improve a measurement framework. Indirectly, the practice benefits the service users and communities whose programmes are better targeted and better evidenced as a result.
How it’s delivered
- Structured Training
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