Blake Stevenson - Creative Research Creating Action

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about self-evaluation and our support.

Q. We have received a grant from the second Investing in Communities programme, or are making an application to the second IiC programme. We need some help with self-evaluation. How do we go about accessing your support?

A. Get in touch with your Grants Officer or Development Officer at the Big Lottery Fund and talk to them about the issues you need help with. They will put you in touch with us if appropriate.

Q. We received a grant from the first Investing in Communities programme and need support with self-evaluation. Can you help?

A. Unfortunately we can no longer offer support to grantholders from the first Investing in Communities programme. Please speak to your Big Lottery Fund Grants Officer and they will be able to help.

Q. We’re not sure if our grant is from the first or second IiC programme. Can you tell us?

A. If you made your application on or after 30 June 2010, your grant is from the second IiC programme. If you are in any doubt, get in touch with your Grants Officer or Development Officer at the Big Lottery Fund and they will be able to tell you which programme your grant is from, and the sources of support with things like self-evaluation available to you.

Q. I need advice on methods to gather feedback from our clients for our self-evaluation. Can you suggest any?
A. There is a wide variety of research tools you can use to involve your service users in your evaluation. Your selection will depend on the needs and characteristics of your clients (for example, do they have any special needs, are they young people, are they older people?). You might find some ideas in the Resources section of this website.

Q. What is the difference between an indicator and an outcome?
A. Outcomes are the changes that come about as a direct result of your work. These cold be changes to the service users, communities, organisations and/or volunteers that you work with. Indicators are the key measures that tell you and the Big Lottery Fund that your project is making progress towards achieving its outcomes. For example, the number of clients successfully addressing their barriers to employment could be an indicator linked to an outcome that aims to support clients furthest from the labour market to improve their employability.

Q. Can Big Lottery Fund grant holders request a change to their project outcomes?
A. The Big Lottery Fund recognises that grant holders might need to make changes to the way projects are delivered to meet changing circumstances or as a result of experiences and therefore can consider a request to change project outcomes. However the Big Lottery Fund will first review the reasons for seeking the change and try to work with you to identify potential alternative actions such as reviewing your project delivery methods, your plans for monitoring and how you currently self-evaluate, prior to agreeing to such a change. Changes to project outcomes must be agreed by the Scotland Committee who awarded the grant so any requested change should follow a full appraisal of options prior to pursuing this route.