Following our recent UK Heritage Pulse survey on evaluation, we know that many heritage organisations are looking for ways to strengthen their approaches to measuring impact, learning from past projects, and building confidence in evaluation. Whether you are new to evaluation or looking to refine your current practices, there are a wealth of resources available to support you. Below, we have highlighted some key tools, guidance, and case studies to help you.
Practical Evaluation Support
Evaluation Support Scotland This site offers a range of tools and guidance designed to help organisations measure and improve their impact. Their step-by-step resources cover everything from developing an evaluation plan to gathering and analysing data effectively.
The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) provides comprehensive guidance on strategy and impact, including practical evaluation and measurement tools. This is a great resource for charities and heritage organisations looking to develop an evidence-based approach to their work.
Heritage-Specific Guidance
The National Lottery Heritage Fund provides detailed evaluation guidance, helping grantees and other heritage organisations assess their impact and learn from funded projects. Their approach covers everything from defining evaluation questions to sharing findings effectively.
Learning from Case Studies and Research
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has published several valuable reports based on the evaluation of their funded programmes. These reports provide insights and lessons learned that may be useful for your own work.
- Evaluating Fundraising in a Crisis
- This research evaluates how heritage organisations adapted their fundraising strategies in response to crises, examining the methods they used to assess financial stability, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability. Through surveys, case studies, and financial analysis, they identified key lessons on resilience, effectiveness, and long-term impact.
- Involving Disabled People in Evaluation
- This resource offers practical advice on ensuring evaluation is inclusive and accessible. It highlights the importance of involving disabled people in the planning and implementation of evaluation activities to create more meaningful and representative insights.
- How Collaboration Can Help Deliver Better Heritage Projects
- This evaluation explores the benefits and challenges of collaboration in heritage projects, offering practical examples of successful partnerships and lessons for future initiatives.
Evaluation is an essential part of demonstrating the value of heritage work, refining projects, and securing future funding. Whether you are looking for practical frameworks, real-world examples, or insights from past research, these resources provide a solid foundation.
We would love to hear how your organisation approaches evaluation—what challenges do you face, and what resources have been most helpful? Share your experiences with us below or at hello@insights-alliance.com
