TDA - Impact evaluation model

The impact evaluation model is designed to help local authorities identify the building blocks that link a project, initiative or service's activities and resources to what it wants to achieve.

It helps to outline the expected impact of an initiative and identify what evidence needs to be collected to demonstrate this.

What is it?

A generic tool to help local authorities and others evaluate the impact of their activities
A combination of guidance, team exercises and support

When would you use it?

It can be used effectively at all stages of project planning and delivery, but is best used toward the end of the planning process – before delivery has actually begun
It should be used alongside other good change management practices
It does not replace good stakeholder engagement, in-depth problem exploration or group problem solving activities

Are there any rules?

Keep it simple – focus on evaluating the key aims only
Aim to contribute to the evidence base – do not use it to justify your project, initiative or service
Sample: evaluate a few things well
Focus on how users benefit from your project, initiative or service
Be objective – this adds credibility
Use different evidence sources, triangulate
Do not aim to prove things focus on creating a persuasive and comprehensive case

More information about the impact evaluation model including a template for you to use, and help on how to run a group exercise to create your own model are available from the downloads section.

Also available to download are Impact evaluation – a model; a pack giving a brief introduction to the impact evaluation model as well as ten examples of how it has been used in schools, clusters and local authorities to evaluate the impact of extended services. Another ten impact case studies are also available for download:

Impact evaluation model

Downloads