The Impact of V: Interim Findings

Vinspired has always been about pushing boundaries, trying new approaches, and injecting creativity wherever and whenever possible. This is particularly true of our innovative approach to evaluation.

We aimed to move beyond traditional ‘post-mortem’ evaluations, taking the advice of experts like those at New Philanthropy Capital who advocate for improved measurement, demonstration, and communication of impact. In the absence of a central approach to measurement and evaluation, Vinspired preferred a model that allows us to learn from our ongoing programs and make changes to enhance the experience for both our funded network and the young people they engage.

As an organization committed to evaluation and learning, Vinspired has applied insights from previous grant rounds into practical improvements for our most recently funded organizations. By choosing a formative approach, we have taken a step further, providing a rigorous and independent evaluation.

The interim findings of this process, “Formative Evaluation of Vinspired, The National Young Volunteers’ Service,” were launched this week. The evaluation highlights that Vinspired and its funded network are achieving notable outcomes, such as exceeding targets for youth volunteering opportunities and being a positive force for change in the youth sector. More significantly, it shows that we have engaged some of the hardest-to-reach young people. The report concludes, “Vinspired-funded volunteering engaged a greater diversity and more socially excluded young people than is normally the case.”

While there are successes to celebrate, the evaluation also indicates areas for improvement for Vinspired, its funded network, and the government. Vinspired is addressing these recommendations with an action plan to tackle the evaluation’s implications and is committed to raising the bar in youth volunteering provision.

There is also valuable learning within the report for our funded network, the wider sector, and the government. We hope they share our enthusiasm for improvement. The detailed impact of Vinspired and its network (2008-2011) will be presented in the final report in June 2011. We have a unique opportunity to reflect on our collective achievements and strive for more.

To explore more about the impact, visit Emerging findings show Team v has had positive impact and Learning through evaluation on Team v.

To download the Executive Summary, click here. To download the Full Report, click here.