Theory of Change

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How others in the sector see the value of creating and having a Theory of Change:

Theory of Change in practice

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A practical model that allows you to articulate how you will achieve your aim, and what assumptions you are making, so you don’t have…

Theory of Change

Activity

Work with young people

Magic

Aim Reduce re-offending

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Logic Model• Shows project components and describes the project, including processes•BUT doesn’t show HOW activities are expected to produce outcomes

Theory of Change • ALSO requires justifications at each step – HOW

something will cause something else• Explains the pathway of change

Theory of Change vs Logic Model

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Theory of Change: Essential Elements

Assumptions

Pathway

ActivitiesWhat you do

Aim

OutcomesThe change or ‘impact’

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Outcomes can be:• immediate• intermediate• long term

They should be: • specific• measurable: using language such as ‘greater’,

‘improved’ or ‘increased’• be phrased as if they have been achieved already

Outcomes: so what?

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SO THAT… chain

Outcome 1

Outcome 2

Aim

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Session 4

Linking it all together…

Activities

Aim

Assumptions

Outcomes

Support accessing housing

Mentoring by an ex-offender

Increased number stable & safer environment

Improved pro-social skills

Reduced likelihood of gang activity

Improved confidence

Reduced likelihood of offending or re-offending

Increased number have sustainable

income

Reduced dependency on negative peers for physical support

Employability training & job application

support

Reduced dependency on negative peers for emotional support

Increased number in permanent

housing

Increased number in employment

Assumes ex-offender mentors are more likely to build a rapport with clients

Assumes some housing is available in the borough

Increased independence

Increased ability to make positive

life decisions

Example: Reducing Youth Re-offending Project

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1. Basic information on your project

2. A Theory of Change for your project

3. An evaluation plan for your project

Register and validate your project at: www.project-oracle.com

Deadlines: 1st March, 1st June, 1st September and 1st December

10

Standard 1 Validation: What’s required

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1. Further Training on Evaluation Planning &

Tools…

2. Cohort Participation…

3. Events

Contact us: Haile Warner

Provider Lead

020 7148 6726

info@project-oracle.com

Follow @Project_Oracle11

How we can support you further…