Collect Data

7. Collect Data

Collecting information is an important part of the process of continual proving and improving. This can be done by asking people to report on something that’s happened to them, by observing that change has happened, or by using some sort of tool to measure the presence or absence of a change.

One way to collect information on the extent to which change has taken place is by using a tool called the Outcomes Star. It was originally developed by Triangle Consulting as a tool for measuring the outcome of work with homeless people. It provides a means of capturing distance travelled by clients along multiple outcome domains (e.g., mental health, autonomy, money). Alternative versions are now available for women’s refuges, young care leavers/16–26-year-olds and for the mental health sector. For more details visit www.outcomes.org.uk

Other ways to collect information include:

•	Surveys/questionnaires (post, email, telephone, face-to-face) either created within your organisation or adapted from Diagnostic tests or pre-made scales 1
•	Interviews – structured or unstructured – either administered by telephone or faceto-face.
•	Focus groups.
•	Observation (participant observation, outside/structured usually helps).
•	People’s expressions (diaries, journals, portfolios).
•	Case studies.

Case Study - The Surf Centre’s Data
Ways of collecting information

1 For an example of a pre-made scale see well-being questionnaire

	The Ten Elements:

	1. Your motivation
	2. Your vision
	3. Stakeholders
	4. Impact Map
	5. Your indicators
	6. Make a plan
	7. Collect data
	8. Analyse information
	9. Share information
	10. Learning & Action

	Case study: The Surf Centre