As part of the programme, we delivered a series of workshops and tailored support to NGBs sport to improve their knowledge and capabilities for capturing and evaluating data and lead discussions on the role that technology can play in this. 

Further to the workshop, we worked with Torchbox, to provide a short toolkit focusing on three main areas and challenges raised related to monitoring, evaluation and communicating impact. This is now available to all below.

Focus Area One: Collating Data Centrally 

When it comes to collating data, a central source of truth and standardising formats of data are crucial. In our tips and tools around centralising data we focus on: 

Communication - This is to demonstrate to colleagues, coaches and stakeholders as to why certain pieces of information are being collected.

Consistency - To ensure data is collected in similar ways, and formats across the organisation and programmes to ensure for more coherent reporting. 

Tools & Templates - We provided a list containing a range of tools available to organisations to help centralise data collection. These range from survey libraries to online tools and form builders. 

Focus Area Two: Collecting and analysing qualitative data

A consensus among NGBs was around the value and depth and qualitative data can bring to any research. There were however challenges raised around best practice to capture and collect this data as well as a need for advice around analysing qualitative information. In our toolkit we focussed on: 

Tips around collecting & analysing qualitative information - These tips focused on collating qualitative information, scanning and spotting key terms and thematic analysis. 

Do's and don'ts of focus groups - conducting focus groups can be a powerful tool for gaining valuable insights, but it is essential to navigate this process with care. We looked at best practice when running focus groups to ensure NGBs can get the most out of group discussion. 

Tools & Templates - We provided a list containing a variety of tools available to organisations to help working with qualitative information. 

Focus area three: Visualising data and insight to share

We heavily champion using data to tell compelling stories. These stories could be directed back to a CEO, volunteers, members of staff or the general public (or any other stakeholder). We also champion the idea that a story does not need to be only words. Infographics and data visualisation are now key, and a common way to visualise data to tell stories. We provided advise around visualising data through: 

Tips - Focusing on asking or working to understand exactly what different stakeholders want to see. Swim England noted one of the easiest and most overlooked ways of understanding what an audience wants to see is simply to ask them! 

Tools & Templates - The internet is awash with tools available to organisations to create compelling (and at times beautiful) infographics, we listed out some examples.

Examples - We also provided some examples of compelling impact reports.