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If you have not found what you are looking for here and would like information on how to conduct self-evaluation of your Big Lottery Fund Investing in Communities project, you can call us on: (0131) 333 0800 |
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Got a question about self-evaluation? Blake Stevenson is providing self-evaluation support to hundreds of Investing in Communities projects across Scotland for the Big Lottery Fund. For the most frequently asked questions, take a look at our list below, which we will be updating regularly. You can also look at our Peer Support section and post a question to other organisations like your own.
Q. What is Blake Stevenson Ltd’s role in Investing in Communities?
A. We are working with the Big Lottery Fund to help projects to evaluate themselves. We support projects to conduct their own self-evaluation with training, advice and resources but do not carry out or plan the evaluation for the project.
Q. What support does Blake Stevenson offer?
A. We offer a range of support:
Q. I have just received funding from the Big Lottery Fund and have some questions about how to self-evaluate. Where do I start?
A. Please complete the self-assessment questionnaire that we e-mailed to you following the offer of a grant from Big Lottery Fund and return it to us. This will help us to determine how much assistance you might require. If you have been awarded funding more than a month ago and have still not heard from us, feel free to contact us.
Q. I have completed my self-evaluation self-assessment. What now?
A. Blake Stevenson will look at the level of support that you might require and will contact you shortly by email to let you know the result of this. You can contact us at any time by email (thefund@blakestevenson.co.uk) or by phone (0131 333 0800) with any queries you have about self-evaluation or the support we offer.
Q. Where can I find examples of how to self-evaluate?
A. Try looking in our resources section for self-evaluation tools, publications and examples of good practice. You can also log on to our message board and post questions from the Peer Support page.
Q. Can I get someone to show me how to self-evaluate?
A. Blake Stevenson hold start-up self-evaluation workshops on a regular basis. Look at our Events page for details and get in touch with us if you would like to attend. You may also find the Peer Support page helpful.
Q. How do I access Blake Stevenson’s support?
A. Please contact us by phone (0131 333 0800) or email (thefund@blakestevenson.co.uk) if at any point you need support with self-evaluation. Additionally, we will send you invitations to events and workshops we are planning, and you might also find the Resources section of this website useful.
Q. Can I request tailored support to help our project self-evaluate?
A. Yes, please contact Blake Stevenson by phone (0131 333 0800) or email (thefund@blakestevenson.co.uk) if you would like tailored support. We’d be happy to visit your project or arrange a video conference if necessary.
Q. Is there any limit to the amount of support we can request from Blake Stevenson?
A. No, we are happy to provide on-going support for as long as you require it.
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, but please contact us (0131 333 0800 or thefund@blakestevenson.co.uk) if you need advice on this issue.
Q. What is the difference between a milestone and an outcome?
A. Milestones (which can also be referred to as outputs) are the activities and tasks your project undertakes, while outcomes are the impact that your project makes on your service users and/or the community by delivering these activities. For example, the delivery of IT training classes is a milestone, and the consequent improvement in IT skills among trainees is an outcome.
Q. What are the Big Lottery Fund’s reporting requirements?
A. Please see the Resources section of this website for details of the Big Lottery Fund’s reporting requirements. If you need any further details, please contact your Grants Officer.
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.