What are we doing?
Homeless Link and the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, are currently undertaking a piece of research to validate the Outcomes Star as a data collection tool. This is to determine:
a) whether the tool is used consistently across different workers, projects and organisations
b) whether progress in ‘soft’ outcomes, as measured by the Star, correlates to the achievement of ‘hard’ outcomes.
This work is funded by the Big Lottery.
What we need from you
We have composed a short online survey comprising two case studies, or transcripts, of a key-work session. Each case study covers 5 points of the Outcomes Star.
We need as many front-line workers as possible, who regularly use the Outcomes Star within homelessness organisations, to complete the survey. This will involve reading the case studies and indicating where they would ‘score’ the person in each of the 5 areas.
The aim is to determine the level of consistency across workers when they are all working from the same transcript. Therefore the more front-line workers who complete the survey, the more reliable the findings will be.
The survey is anonymous, although workers are asked to give their organisation and project name. This is purely to allow us to assess variation across projects, and no organisation or project will be named in the findings.
What’s in it for you?
The findings of the research will determine the consistency of the data collected by the Outcomes Star, and its correlation to hard outcomes, including the variances and reasons for this. This will allow you, as organisations using the Star, to use the data you are gathering more confidently and meaningfully to improve your services and demonstrate your impact. The findings of the research will also give generate ideas for how you can ensure that the tool is implemented well and consistently across your organisation.
What is the research not doing?
This research is not about determining the effectiveness of the Outcomes Star as a key-working or motivational tool. To see the findings of research that has been carried out relating to this, visit http://www.homelessoutcomes.org.uk/starimpact.aspx.
How do you take part?
When you are ready to complete the survey, click here. The deadline to complete the survey is Friday 3 July 2009.
Have more questions?
If you would like to discuss the survey or any aspect of the validation with us, please email Joanne Crellen.