Storytelling Evaluation Methodology

Since 2017, Old Fire Station, Oxford has been using the Storytelling Evaluation Methodology 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.

Storytelling training: Want to find out how to use the Methodology in practice? Join us on 5 and 12 September, 2024: click here to find out more.

 

Resources

Watch the webinar

Watch a recording of our live webinar, attended by over 200 people from organisations across the world.

Watch now

A guide to using storytelling to evaluate impact

This guide tells you everything you need to know about the approach, with more information, helpful tips, and a 7-step guide.

Read now

Join the Storytelling mailing list

Interested? Join the Storytelling mailing list to hear about development and training opportunities.

Sign up

Read our blog

Read about what we've done so far, and what we've learned.

Read now

Projects for partners

Active Oxfordshire

We helped Active Oxfordshire assess the impact of their Active Oxfordshire projects.

Click here

Elmore Community Services

We helped Elmore evaluate the change they make.

Click here

YPAG

We helped evaluate the impact of the NeurOX Young People’s Advisory Group (YPAG).

Click here

Mental Wellbeing in Oxford

We worked with the Oxfordshire Comms Group to evaluate mental health support in the county.

Click here

OFS Storytelling projects

Listen to stories

Listen to stories collected by Active Oxfordshire, OFS, Elmore Community Services, Oxford Hub and others here: Stream Old Fire Station Oxford | Listen to podcast episodes online for free on SoundCloud 

 

Meaningful Measurement Action Inquiry

As part of Marmalade, this year we launched the Meaningful Measurement Action Inquiry, working with partners across the city to think about how we can all change the way we measure impact. We have been experimenting with different approaches to measurement and learning (with a focus on Storytelling and Signal) with partners across the city. We have been bringing partners together to discuss what works (and what doesn’t), and what’s needed from decision makers, funders, organisations and community groups (both big and small) to measure and learn in ways that feel meaningful and sustainable. Click here to find out more.