New Pro Bono OR Project: Lewisham Refugee and Migrant Network

Lewisham Refugee and Migrant Network Project

Better outcomes for refugees and migrants through better impact measurement 

Project:

To help the Lewisham Refugee and Migrant Network (LRMN) to improve its impact measurement.

Project description:

LRMN wishes to review its impact measurement. The current measures, though described as ‘impact’ measures,  are a mix of activity, output and outcome measures; and some softer outcomes, such as wellbeing, are not measured at all. LRMN has a Theory of Change (ToC), but the current measures are not linked to this at all. A new set of measures should address this, providing measures that both help the organisation to understand what it is doing well and what may need to change, and that provide appropriate information to funders and potential funders.

Whilst the impact measures should be linked to the ToC, the existing ToC does not fully reflect LRMN’s current activities, and is likely to be revised in the medium term. To avoid proposing measures that will become out of date with a new ToC,  the project should reflect this, by starting with a very quick review of the current Theory of Change, spending perhaps half a day with key stakeholders to 'kick the tyres' to find out what is missing or wrong and where it needs to be strengthened; and identifying what future changes might be required  (half a day).

With the current ToC and an understanding of likely future changes, the next steps are to:

• identify which are the most important activities, outputs and outcomes that need to be measured in addition to the current set of measures, and whether any current measures should be dropped
• undertake a literature review on the best ways of measuring these where appropriate, for example for measures of wellbeing, and recommend measures to LRMN
• when the measures are agreed, identify what data needs to be collected, and work with LRMN senior staff to understand what systems and processes they might need to do that
• make recommendations on suitable survey, questionnaire and analysis design and processes. 

The volunteer should have experience of designing performance and outcome measures, and know (or be able rapidly to get to grips with) how impact measurement relates to Theory of Change. They should also have the statistical and methodological skills to design surveys and questionnaires, and appropriate analysis. This project might suit a pair of volunteers with complementary skills. 

Time commitment: 
Around 4-6 days to:
• to understand the charity’s world, their current ToC and impact measurement 
• identify shortcomings in the ToC and how these may affect the measurements required
• identify what activities, outputs and outcomes to measure, in discussion with LRMN
• identify suitable measures, through literature review and in discussion with LRMN
• recommend ways of collecting these measures.

Any further work can be arranged by the volunteer(s) or a follow-on project can be specified

Location: The work needs some face-to-face time with perhaps 3 or 4 meetings, including the initial meeting to firm up on Terms of Reference, and the remainder of the time working remotely. 

If you feel you are able to offer your assistance please complete the application form and return along with your CV to amy.hughes@theorsociety.com by Wednesday 10^th April.

The OR Society fully supports equal opportunities. As such, we welcome applications from the partially sighted or blind, or those with disabilities.

Information about the organisation: 

LRMN have been providing free, independent and confidential advice to migrants, refugees and asylum seekers for over 25 years. Today they work with thousands of clients from all over London and help them access services needed to integrate and thrive into their local community. Their mission is to empower refugees and migrants to thrive, make a positive contribution, intergrate and take control of their own lives.  

For further information about  LRMN please visit https://www.lrmn.org.uk or email Alessandra Sciarra at alessandra.sciarra@lrmn.org.uk

For further information about the Pro Bono OR scheme, please visit:www.theorsociety.com/Probono  or email ProBonoOR@theorsociety.com