Measuring the impact of initiatives that aim at improving social outcomes is crucial. Yet despite the fact that it is what most funders require, it is not always easy to do. That is because alarmingly few organisations know of The Generic Learning Outcomes (GLO) and Generic Social Outcomes (GSO) frameworks. Developed by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council in the Noughties, the frameworks offer a set of indicators to evaluate how cultural services have an impact on people’s lives. Now hidden away in the depths of the Arts Council England website, the framework languishes, rarely in use and lurking behind blind hyperlinks. This is a real shame. I am on a mission to increase their take up, particularly and specifically to help organisations measure those hard-to-measure differences they make to people’s lives.
Why should we be measuring impact?
Improvements in how people feel, how they interact, and their confidence levels, are often intangible. The irony is that they are often the most important parts of people’s lived experience. The fact they are intangible is what makes them so hard to evidence, let alone measure. That makes it hard for organisations and projects seeking to deliver better social outcomes, to evidence the effectiveness of what they do. This is particularly important for funders, who increasingly are under pressure from “impact investors” to demonstrate clearly the benefits their funding has secured.
The GLO/GSO frameworks help organisations capture quantitative data from qualitative evidence. This, in turn, provides a much fuller illustration of the impact. And that impact can be across a wide range of themes: skills; personal confidence; social isolation and cohesion; public safety and community; enjoyment. It’s really vast.
The Value of Measuring Impact
Evaluating the impact of programs provides evidence of their effectiveness. Evidence is vital for securing funding and support. It also offers important insights into what works and what doesn’t. This means organisations can use the data to inform (and measure the ongoing effectiveness of) continuous improvements. Measured impact also helps, by demonstrating accountability to stakeholders—funders, participants, and the wider community. Clear numbers showing clear impact makes it easy for everyone to see what is going on and how well it’s being done.
How GSOs help measure impact
The GSO framework provides a structured approach to measure hard-to-measure things such as wellbeing, community and agency.
It comprises indicators that cover a wide range of social outcomes, from health and well-being to community cohesion and environmental sustainability. These indicators are designed to capture changes in both individual and collective experiences.
By using broad-brush headings, which speak to specific social impact areas of importance, the GSOs offer a structured approach. Not only this, but they offer flexibility within that structure. That may sound an oxymoron, but it is possible – and indeed desirable – for organisations to create their own questions. It works best when these are a subjective and highly-targeted list of simple-to-answer questions, under the broad headings within the GLO/GSO framework. Simply by using a sticker chart, or smiley faces on a flipchart, it is easy to compile detailed data. Count the answers to the questions. And that’s it! You have turned intangibles swiftly into metrics and percentages which reflect public answers in a real, tangible and measurable way.
Implementing the GSO Framework
To measure impact using the GSO framework effectively, follow these steps:
- Identify Relevant Outcomes: Select the GSO indicators that align most closely with the goals of your initiative. Ensure that you consider both qualitative and quantitative aspects.
- Develop Data Collection Methods: Create surveys, interview guides, and observation checklists tailored to the chosen indicators and their ease of use by your target audience. Sticker charts or counting counters in a jar are simple and still very effective measures. Use a mix of methods to capture a comprehensive view of impact.
- Collect and Analyse Data: Gather data consistently and systematically. Make sure you record the data in a transparent fashion. Inviting audience members to help you count is one way to engage people in the process.
- Report and Communicate Findings: Present the findings in a clear and neutral way, highlighting both the quantitative metrics and the qualitative stories behind them. Use visual aids such as charts and infographics to deepen relevance and understanding, keeping them appropriate to your audience.
Why am I banging the drum so loudly for GLOs and GSOs? That’s easy – it’s because I led a team that helped to develop them. We made them work to demonstrate impact across theatres, leisure centres, intergenerational literacy events … even a botanic garden! In a world where charities and community organisations are all competing for an ever-dwindling pot of cash, GSOs offer a great way for those organisations to measure what they do and how well they do it. That can only be helpful, when you need to demonstrate your worth for investment.
The ability to measure and articulate the impact of initiatives on well-being, social interactions, and personal development is increasingly important. The GSO framework provides the structure and guidance necessary to achieve this. As a result this ensures that we measure the true value of social initiatives so it is possibe to both recognise and celebrate them fully. Embracing this framework can help organisations better understand their effectiveness, improve their programmes and communicate their successes to stakeholders. If you would like to know more, please get in touch and I would be happy to explain how you could use GSOs to further your organisation.