If decisions were only to be based on available strong evidence of effective actions, the result would often be a very small number and range of actions’

Using evidence to commission services

If decisions were only to be based on available strong evidence of effective actions, the result would often be a very small number and range of actions’ Tannahill

Ethics

Evidence Theory

Types of evidence

Self-evaluation (comes from projects)

Formal research (comes from secondary sources)

Tacit knowledge: people’s experiences

Data and evidenceData: statistics about need, demographic data

Useful for commissioning but we also need …

Evidence: what do we do to achieve positive outcomeswhat works for whom in what circumstances and why

Data and evidenceData: statistics about need, demographic data

Useful for commissioning but we also need …

Evidence: what do we do to achieve positive outcomeswhat works for whom in what circumstances and why

Where do you get evidence for your decisions?

The last person you spoke to?

The Esoteric Journal of Perpetual Enquiry, vol 5349?

Quick and dirty? Long and clean?

Useful?

Discussion

What informs your decision-making ethics/ evidence/ theory?

• What type of evidence is important to you• Formal research/ self evaluation/

• tacit knowledge (experience)

Honing in

Focus on social connectedness

The theory of change: what contributes to social connectedness?What does the more formal evidence say?What can we measure through self evaluation – potential indicators?

QuestionsHow do you know you are reaching those most at risk of social isolation?

What evidence do you need to show you are increasing social connectedness?

What evidence do you need to measure performance and progress towards outcomes

Funders Evaluation Declaration

Evaluation should be:Valuable: Adds value to your workRelevant: shared, used and acted uponProportionate: fits well with the workSupported: management/ organisation/ funderFrom inside and outside

How do you like your evidence?

Is the Stitch in Time approach helpful?

Where are the gaps?

What are you going to take back to your partnership area from today’s session?

Further information

websitewww.evaluationsupportscotlandorg.uk

Or email [email protected]