Stuart Low Trust: Guiding Principles on Monitoring and Evaluation

1.0 Introduction

This Policy sets out SLT’s principles of Monitoring & Evaluation that will inform its future work.

It explains why it is important to design evaluation processes that are accessible to a diverse group of participants, plus produce useful results. Meaningful evidence via Monitoring and Evaluation is vital in decision making as regards future activities, so that participants receive the activities that they request and that best support them.

Background

Stuart Low Trust is a lifeline which brings people living with or recovering from mental health issues together, via it’s out of hour’s activities. SLT provides safe, non-judgemental environments that combat social isolation and build confidence, mental well-being, social skills, opportunities for volunteering and a sense of belonging.

SLT’s Mission is to ensure that local people, especially those experiencing social isolation or mental distress, have access to the support they need for better health and wellbeing.

1.1 SLT’s M&E Objective

This policy sets out a framework for how Stuart Low Trust will generate good quality Monitoring and Evaluation. When executed well, Monitoring and Evaluation enables systematic learning from past/current activities so good practice can be replicated going forward, with mistakes or poor outcomes avoided.

This policy will guide the development and delivery of SLT’s Monitoring and Evaluation activity to ensure that SLT continues to fulfil its mission.

In addition to SLTs Business Plan (please visit www.slt.org.uk ), SLT has a wider ambition to continuously provide the best possible service to participants, and be pioneering in London, developing successful and achievable ways of improving the wellbeing of people at risk of loneliness, social isolation and suicidal ideation.

2.0 Purpose

SLT aims to achieve outcomes that fall under 3 categories:

Impact (service effectiveness) – a service’s impact is defined by the change, effect or benefit that results from the services or activities on a wider society than its direct users. It is often long term, broad and sustainable.
Engagement (service satisfaction) – a service’s level of engagement is defined by the effectiveness of meeting a participant’s expectation / need. This can be measured by enjoyment, satisfaction, attendance, returning visits etc.
Delivery (service outputs) – a service’s delivery outputs the activities, services and products provided by the organisation. This can be measured in volume / frequency etc.

Data that SLT collect will be based on key indicators that help to measure these outcomes.

SLT’s specific aims with respect to the above outcome categories is outlined below.

2.1 SLT’s Impact Outcomes:

Reduce Social Isolation (with respect to increasing social connections)
Improve Wellbeing
Increase Social Inclusion (with respect to feeling part of a community)
Improve Self-Confidence
Decrease Loneliness
Increase Knowledge

2.2 SLT’s Engagement Outcomes:

Participants are satisfied with the services
Staff/Volunteers are supported with Personal Development
SLT are leaders in Community of Practice

2.3 SLT’s Delivery Outputs:

See latest Business Plan for the types and frequency of services SLT aim to deliver
SLT provide activities for participants outside of office hours
SLT services reach local people
SLT services reach those who are / have been Socially Isolated
SLT services reach those experiencing / have experienced Mental Distress
All services are inclusive

2.4 SLT will only capture useful and usable data:

SLT chosen captured data will:

Inform decision-making
Evaluate needs
Track progress
Improve reach based on gaps in participant base

SLT will be proportionate in its approach and will only collect usable data. SLT abides by GDPR in the collection, capturing, storing, and deletion of data.

Updated: 18/5/2022

Review: 18/5/2023