A simple framework to help you understand change
Organisations working with people in complex settings often find standard outcome measurement difficult to apply. This simple framework was developed to help in those situations – where understanding change means working with complexity, context and contribution, rather than isolated indicators.
It offers a clear and adaptable way to map your initiative’s activities through different levels of outcomes (or impacts), providing a framework for communication, learning, evaluation and reporting.
A theory of change approach
This is a theory of change approach designed for people-based initiatives – such as projects, programmes, organisations or partnerships. The headings help teams describe the difference they are trying to make in plain language.
It draws on contribution analysis and places people at the centre of change. One key feature is the inclusion of the outcome level ‘How they feel’, which recognises that how people react to support or engagement influences what happens next. If people respond positively, learning, behaviour change and wider benefits are more likely to follow. If not, progress often stalls.
A flexible tool
This framework can be used in simple or more complex ways, depending on your context and goals.
Some straightforward uses include:
- Telling the story of a successful intervention, programme or policy
- Creating a case study that links an activity to improved outcomes for a person
- Describing how a focused piece of work – such as a support project – contributes to change
The framework headings
- What we do
- Who with
- How they feel
- What they learn and gain
- What they do differently
- What difference does this make?
The headings in action
Teams often come together to co-create a map of activities and outcomes using the headings, known as an outcome or impact map. For more complex or multi-partner work, or when trying something new or organisation-wide, this can take more time and support. Done well, it becomes a valuable tool for learning, evaluation and communicating how the work makes a difference.
Try it for yourself
To get started, write out each heading on a separate piece of paper or card and get some post-it notes or cards.
Lay the headings out in order (1 to 6), then use the prompts below to jot down one idea per note or card. Keeping each item separate makes it easier to move things around as your thinking develops.
- What we do
Key activities your project or initiative delivers - Who with
Everyone involved in or engaging with those activities – such as service users, staff or funders - How they feel
Positive reactions people may have to the support or intervention - What they learn and gain
Changes in knowledge, skills or attitudes resulting from engagement - What they do differently
Behaviour or practice changes that follow from learning and development - What difference does this make?
The wider outcomes that result – such as people being healthier, happier or better off
Tips for outcome mapping
- Keep the different outcome levels distinct – separate activities from engagement, and learning outcomes from behaviour change
- Start wherever you feel most confident – then work forward or back to build the full picture
- Keep refining your descriptions – it may take time to get them right
- Begin with a simple example, and build up to more complex interventions over time
Outcome map uses
Outcome mapping can support a wide range of purposes in outcome evaluation. Here are a few examples:
Plan an intervention
Use the headings to sketch out how you expect the intervention to work. This can help with funding applications or internal planning.
Communicate how you make a difference
Create a map to share with stakeholders, funders or service users. It offers a clear visual explanation of how your work leads to change.
Learn, monitor and improve
Use your map to support reflective learning and feedback – helping you adapt and improve as you go.
Evaluate your intervention
Collect data against the items in your map to evaluate what’s working and where change is happening. The map can guide your analysis or provide a structure for external evaluation.
Tell your story
The map helps shape outcome-focused reports, making it easier to show how your work makes a difference.