Evaluation Framework

Ensuring that evaluation leads to better decision making and maximum impact from investment in sport and activity

Welcome to the Sport England evaluation framework

This resource aims to help Sport England colleagues and partners to evaluate funding streams and projects effectively and get maximum value from measurement and evaluation (M&E).

It does not set out in detail which data to collect for each Sport England programme - the specific requirements are set out in each prospectus and award agreement. Nor is it intended to replace systems and tools you already have in place.

It is designed to provide you with easy-to-follow guidance and resources to help you develop your own approach to measuring and evaluating your work. Building the six steps into programme planning and implementation will help you get the most benefit from M&E.

NEW - April 2018: We've updated our question bank (Step 4) to include the Short Active Lives tool.

This is now our preferred measure of physical activity for adults.

 

Benefits of Measurement and Evaluation

Understanding Impact

  • Understand impact on strategic priorities
  • Compare and aggregate return on investment
  • Track impact over the long term
  • Evidence wider outcomes
  • Strengthen the evidence base for sport and physical activity

Learning and Improvement

  • Inform intervention design
  • Inform investment decisions
  • Refine and improve delivery
  • Support organisational improvement
  • Help others to deliver more effectively

Supporting Advocacy

  • Bring to life the impact of investment
  • Show the benefits of physical activity to health, communities and the economy
  • Advocate for investment in specific interventions
  • Make the case for investment in sport and physical activity nationally and locally

Framework overview

Use these six steps to build measurement and evaluation into your project from the very start, and throughout. Begin Step 1 as soon as you start designing your project.

Involve other relevant colleagues who work on project development or delivery, and incorporate the processes and principles into your own systems, ensuring they are compatible and proportionate for your project. Review and reflect on your progress throughout. 

Click on one of the steps above or click here to get started.

Case Studies

Our case studies show how the framework has been applied to funding streams and projects, with completed examples of the framework's tools.

These can be viewed as you work through the process or by clicking on the links below.

Case Study 1 - CSAF Funding Stream Case Study 2 - MWSF Project

Tools & Resources

We have developed a set of tools and resources to assist you in developing your M&E approach.

You can download and view these as you work through the process or click on the link below to view all the tools and resources available.

Tools and Resources