Measure and report impact

The competence of measuring and reporting impact is highly important to the effective practice of CR&S, as it is integral to monitoring the influence and effect of an organisation on wider society and the environment, which is the focus of CR&S activity. Evaluating and reporting on the success of CR&S initiatives and learning from such experiences, so that future projects may benefit from the knowledge acquired, is key to the progression and maturity of the profession as a whole, as well as the personal development of the practitioner.

Understanding what needs to be measured, and why, and how the measurement may best be undertaken is key to this competence. Such knowledge is itself dependent on a thorough grasp of the activity being scrutinised, the organisation and context in which it is carried out and the needs and interests of the audience to whom findings are reported. Specific, technical knowledge of relevant reporting standards and rankings may also be important.

The practitioner should be able to identify how to collect meaningful data that represents a fair and accurate reflection of both the tangible and intangible impacts of the activity and adds value to the project or programme as a whole. Wherever possible, the practitioner should try to utilise existing metrics and data collection systems to ensure that resources are used efficiently. The scrupulous appraisal of such information, using current evaluation tools and techniques skilfully and cost-effectively, will in turn ensure that reports can be delivered with confidence. Such reports should comment insightfully and fairly on the impact, effectiveness, value and progress of the activity in question.

Mastery of the competence will depend upon a high degree of discernment in distinguishing the relative importance of data, as well a commitment to collaborative working methods. An appreciation of, and willingness to cooperate with, the context in which CR&S activities are undertaken is also critical.

How this competence might be demonstrated:

Identifying key outputs that need to be measured from any activity, and selecting appropriate indicators to measure their effect. The process of selecting indicators for an activity is particularly important since they may well affect the performance of the activity itself, by acting as targets or focus points for those involved with its execution.
Ensuring that indicators assist with securing the accountability of those involved in any activity and with encouraging ambitious performance. An appreciation of the motivations and incentives of those involved in the delivery of a project or programme, as well as the culture of the relevant organisation, is therefore important background knowledge.
Reflecting an awareness of material issues when measuring and reporting impact, and appreciating that the relative materiality of issues may vary over time and according to the perspective of different stakeholders. The indicators chosen should have clear boundaries to help ensure consistency and reliability in data collection. The application of generic methodologies for data collection should be tailored where appropriate to allow for the particular characteristics of a specific piece of work.
Taking account of both the quantitative and qualitative (or hard and soft) effects of a project or programme, so as to fully capture its impact, and selecting suitable time frames for its monitoring. As many outcomes may not be apparent immediately and/or may vary over the course of time, the practitioner may wish to evaluate projects and programmes at different points in time.
Delivering reports that are fair, accurate and representative of the success and failings of any initiative. Judgements should be justified with sound empirical data, and demonstrate an awareness of the risk of both conscious and unconscious bias.
Appreciating the importance of reporting in terms of both helping to achieve recognition for CR&S activities and the organisation itself, and in improving relations with stakeholders, including investors. Accordingly, the presentation and language used in reports should be suitably clear and engaging for the target audience, and communicate technical information accessibly.
Recognising points of interest from the evaluation process, which may be of value to future initiatives. Sharing learning with others both inside and outside an organisation, to the extent permissible or practicable, contributes to the pooled knowledge of the organisation and supports the development of the profession as a whole.

Application for ICRS Fellowship:

Manages or directs the measurement of CRS activities within the organisation
Manages or directs the reporting of impact of CRS activities within the organization Expert in reporting the impact of CRS activities and leads the way in effecting this within the organisation, sector and / or profession