Storytelling at the OFS
Since 2017, Old Fire Station, Oxford has been using the Storytelling Evaluation Method to evaluate the impact of its work. Instead of setting outcomes to measure against, we decided to let those we work with identify outcomes for themselves by telling us a story.
What changed for them?
How did it happen?
Why is it important?
We’ve found collecting, analysing and presenting stories to be a creative and participative process, which is both meaningful and enjoyable. It has shifted evaluation from a necessary add-on, to a central part of our work and who we are. Both the stories, and the learning that has emerged from them, have been rich and insightful. They have led us to think deeply about the way we work and have even resulted in us re-writing our mission statement.
We’re now working with partners across Oxfordshire and beyond to change the way we evaluate projects. Read on to see how it works. To find out more about Storytelling, and read the stories and learning reports, visit our website.
Meaningful Measurement Playbook
In April 2025, we published a Meaningful Measurement Playbook with the Skoll Centre at Said Business School, University of Oxford. It sets out the case for taking more meaningful approaches to measurement using the OFS Storytelling Evaluation Method as a case study.
Internal Storytelling Report 2025
We have just launched our 2025 Internal Storytelling report which you can read here.
During 2024/25, the OFS Storytelling team collected stories from some of the people most closely involved in our work – staff, artists, participants in creative projects, Crisis members, freelancers, and partner organisations. This ongoing process of story collecting was designed to embed learning in our culture as part of OFS’s broader commitment to ‘meaningful measurement.’
In February 2025, we invited the OFS staff team and friends of the organisation to read the stories and come together for a facilitated conversation about them. Discussion participants included full time staff, trustees, funders, freelance artists, trainers, and producers, volunteers, and Crisis members. This conversation gave us a well-rounded picture of the impact of our work and is feeding into an ongoing strategy review that will shape our priorities for the coming years.
Storytelling Training 2025
Want to find out how to use the Method in practice? Join us on 4 and 11 September 2025: click here to find out more.