THE ESSAY
THE STATE OF PLAY OF
IMPACT MEASUREMENT:
PERSPECTIVES FROM THE
FRONT LINE
The results of a recent survey on impact measurement is revealing about practices
and the use of findings. It also unearthed some strong opinions about those setting
the agenda for impact measurement and the challenges involved in doing it. Anton
Simanowitz and Sarah Forster of The Good Economy Partnership report.
KEY SURVEY FINDINGS
• 50% of respondents consider themselves to have
excellent or good knowledge of impact measurement
• Two thirds of organisations have used impact
measurement tools
• 81% believe impact measurement is crucial or important
for improving business and the services provided to
improve impact; 68% describe impact measurement as
essential to their business
• 85% find impact measurement ‘challenging but
worthwhile’
• The confusion created by too many different impact
measurement tools is criticised
• Call for impact measurement data to be given greater
precedence when awarding grants
• A call for client centred approach being at the fore when
undertaking impact measurement
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