Tessera

Matter of Focus

@matter-of-focus.com

Supporting organisations to work well with data and information to understand, track and report on the outcomes and impacts that matter, so they can make the best difference possible. Home of #OutNav. Certified #BCorp. https://www.matter-of-focus.com

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Matter of Focus @matter-of-focus.com · last yr.

Overloaded by evaluation, monitoring and accountability? Join Ailsa Cook & Sarah Morton on 3 July, 1–2pm BST, for a free webinar on practical ways to work through the “messy middle”. Balance demands, build better data, and make sense of change together. www.matter-of-focus.com/working-in-t...

Promotional graphic for a webinar titled "Working in the messy middle: lessons, innovation, and future directions for people navigating evaluation, monitoring and accountability." At the centre is a cartoon figure juggling colourful balls, surrounded by speech bubbles with questions including:

Who are we supporting?

Do we have the right staff?

Are we on track with the strategy?

Are we meeting good practice standards?

How long are waiting times?

Who have we kept out of hospital?

Have we delivered good funder outcomes?

How many people are we supporting?

The session is scheduled for 1–2pm (BST) on 3 July 2025, with the website www.matter-of-focus.com/webinars displayed at the bottom right. The graphic reflects the complexity and pressure of managing evaluation and accountability in practice.

Matter of Focus @matter-of-focus.com · last yr.

How do you know your research is making a difference? Sarah explores this in the latest episode of the Amplifying Research podcast with Chris Padlow – and why it's crucial to build a habit of asking for feedback. Listen on the AR website: bit.ly/45wFdN7 or where you get your podcasts.

A split-screen image. The top half shows Dr Sarah Morton from Matter of Focus speaking during a video call. The subtitle overlay captured reads: "it's so difficult to go back." The bottom half is an illustration of a distressed person kneeling next to an open box labelled "EVIDENCE OF IMPACT", with a note inside reading "TODO: collect feedback." A sign on the wall says "REPORT DUE TODAY." The image conveys the stress and challenge of gathering impact evidence retroactively.

Matter of Focus @matter-of-focus.com · last yr.

Attending #ARMA2025 in sunny (🤞) Edinburgh this week? How do you know your research is making a difference? Try your hand at plotting a pathway to impact using our simple framework. And see how our software, OutNav, helps bring it to life—so you can focus on meaningful impact assessment.

A visual framework titled "Plot your pathway to impact..." illustrating six stages along a curved, dotted pathway with numbered headings:

What we do – Sticky notes: "Joint research project", "Dissemination activities"

Who with – Sticky notes: "Policy makers", "Practitioners"

How they feel – Sticky notes: "This research is useful", "I will share this research"

What they learn and gain – Sticky notes: "Greater understanding of issues faced", "More knowledge about potential solutions"

What they do differently – Sticky notes: "Use research in policy making", "Deliver better support"

What difference does this make? – Green sticky note: "People’s lives are better"

Each sticky note represents a step in tracking impact, with handwritten-style text and pastel colours. A QR code is placed in the upper-right corner. The graphic is framed by a dark blue border.

Matter of Focus @matter-of-focus.com · last yr.

We're recruiting a senior evaluation consultant – someone with a passion for helping organisations use evidence to drive change, along with strong facilitation and evaluation skills. FT (32hr week) or PT. Hybrid working–regular time in Edinburgh office. ℹ️ www.matter-of-focus.com/senior-evalu...

A colorful cartoon-style illustration of a collaborative office scene focused on recruiting and teamwork. It features multiple characters engaged in different activities:

Two people chatting over coffee with calendar speech bubbles.

One person pointing to a task board while another watches.

A person at a computer having a video call with another.

A character holding a contact book with a question mark speech bubble.

A central outline of a person made of dashed lines, symbolizing a vacant or new team member position, with a lightbulb above their head.

The image conveys a friendly, inclusive work environment with various communication and planning tools in use.

Matter of Focus @matter-of-focus.com · last yr.

We're hiring! Looking to grow our team with a new senior evaluation post. We're looking for someone who has a passion for helping organisations use evidence to drive change, along with strong facilitation and evaluation skills. www.matter-of-focus.com/senior-evalu... #evaluation #researchjobs

We're recruiting a Senior Evaluation Consultant

Applications are open for a senior evaluation consultant role at Matter of Focus based in Edinburgh. Flexible working options available. Closes 12noon, 30 September 2024.

matter-of-focus.com

Matter of Focus @matter-of-focus.com · last yr.

What does it really take to turn a national human rights strategy into meaningful change? This is the question at the heart of our webinar with the Scottish Human Rights Commission today at 1.30pm (BST) We'll explore taking a theory of change approach. www.matter-of-focus.com/from-strateg...

From strategy to impact: - Matter of Focus

Developing and refining a theory of change to inform the Scottish Human Rights Commission's new four-year strategy towards building a fairer Scotland where human rights are respected, protected, and f...

matter-of-focus.com

Matter of Focus @matter-of-focus.com · last yr.

In a data-rich world there's lots we can report on, but if we really want to understand and demonstrate the impact of our work, it can be overwhelming and confusing. If you're grappling with this, join us for a live webinar on 12 June. www.matter-of-focus.com/data-for-und...

Promotional graphic for a live webinar titled "Data for understanding impact: defining the best strategy for your work." The yellow background features a checklist-style message with four items, each accompanied by an icon:

✅ You collect data.

✅ You report on it.

🤔 But does it help you understand what’s working and why?

🙂 We can help with that...

Below, the webinar title is bolded, followed by event details in smaller text:
"LIVE WEBINAR: With impact expert Dr Sarah Morton – Thursday 12 June, 12.30–1.30pm (BST)"
The website link www.matter-of-focus.com/webinars appears at the bottom.

Matter of Focus @matter-of-focus.com · last yr.

The Scottish Human Rights Commission is using our theory of change approach to understand and track the impact of their work to ensure human rights are respected and upheld for all. Join us on 13 May to hear more about how they’re embedding this approach. www.matter-of-focus.com/from-strateg...

From strategy to impact: - Matter of Focus

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Matter of Focus @matter-of-focus.com · last yr.

How do you navigate the challenges of tracking impact across complex, multi-layered programmes in the public and voluntary sectors? Join us for tools, insights and examples from our work. Wednesday 9 April at 12pm (BST) Free webinar. Presentation + Q&A ℹ️ www.matter-of-focus.com/making-sense...

An infographic titled "Understanding change at scale is challenging" featuring four illustrated icons with corresponding challenges:

Top left: A network of connected dots icon with the text "Complex with many moving parts."

Top right: A checklist and pen icon with the text "Need comprehensive measurement system without losing meaning."

Bottom left: A camera icon with the text "Traditional evaluation gives only snapshots."

Bottom right: A magnifying glass over a question mark icon with the text "Difficult to track overall impact."

At the bottom, the website www.matter-of-focus.com/webinars is listed. The icons are primarily yellow, with a clean, white background.

Matter of Focus @matter-of-focus.com · last yr.

We asked what questions people would like answered at our webinar next week on understanding and tracking the impact of large-scale programmes. We've had dozens of thoughtful, insightful questions. If any resonnate with you, please sign up to join us: ℹ️ www.matter-of-focus.com/making-sense...

Graphic titled "YOU'VE ASKED..." on a yellow background with decorative dotted lines. Three questions are listed with speech bubble icons containing question marks:

How do we measure the impact of complex, multi-strand initiatives—especially across geographies and partners?

What’s the best way to aggregate data—qualitative and quantitative—across diverse services while keeping it meaningful?

How do we track and communicate long-term or less visible outcomes like systemic or community-level change?

Another yellow background graphic titled "YOU'VE ASKED..." with three additional questions shown beside speech bubble icons:

What tools, frameworks or practical methods are others using that actually work at scale?

How can we evaluate shared outcomes across multiple theories of change?

And how do we do all this in partnership—across organisations, sectors, and contexts?

Let me know if you'd like these combined into a description for a webpage or flyer!

Yellow background promotional graphic for a Matter of Focus webinar titled "Making sense of change at scale: understanding and tracking the impact of large-scale programmes". The event is scheduled for Wednesday 9 April, 12–1pm (BST). The text explains that the webinar will share tools, examples, and insights from work with public and voluntary initiatives across the UK and beyond. A map pin icon appears in the top left. At the bottom is a website link: www.matter-of-focus.com/webinars.

Matter of Focus @matter-of-focus.com · last yr.

The Scottish Human Rights Commission has published their new theory of change framework which sets out how they plan, monitor & measure the impact of their work. ➡️ ow.ly/4FvL50VrwN9 Join us on 13 May to learn more about our work together to develop this. ℹ️ www.matter-of-focus.com/from-strateg...

Matter of Focus @matter-of-focus.com · last yr.

Making sense of change at scale. Join Ailsa Cook and Sarah Morton, Co-Directors of Matter of Focus as they share a clear and proven approach to understanding impact across complex programmes. 📅9 April |⏰ 12–1pm | 💻 Live on Teams www.matter-of-focus.com/making-sense...

Making sense of change at scale: - Matter of Focus

Join us on 9 April for a practical and insightful webinar on tracking change at scale in complex public and voluntary sector programmes.

matter-of-focus.com

Matter of Focus @matter-of-focus.com · last yr.

Our co-director Ailsa Cook is delighted to be at this year's #impactENLIGHT conference @unigroningen.bsky.social hosting a planning for impact workshop. The Enlight programme is an alliance between 10 European universities who share a mission to deliver societal impact.

Matter of Focus @matter-of-focus.com · last yr.

@sightscotland.bsky.social is a national charity for the blind and visually impaired, offering a range of support services including residential care, education, community support, and rehabilitation. It's a pleasure to be working with them to help map and track outcomes across their organisation.

A group photo of ten people from Sight Scotland standing in front of a purple sticky wall covered colourful sticky notes, smiling at the camera. Below the photo, the title reads "Outcome mapping with Sight Scotland." Underneath is a visual framework showing six purple circles connected by a dotted line, each labelled with steps to understand change:

What we do
Who with
How they feel
What they learn and gain
What they do differently
What difference does this make?

The website link www.matter-of-focus.com/using-our-headings is displayed at the bottom.

Matter of Focus @matter-of-focus.com · last yr.

If you're working in a public or voluntary sector org. and are responsible for a large-scale programme involving multiple projects, you'll know how hard it is to understand and track its overall impact. We’re tackling this challenge on 9 April. All welcome! www.matter-of-focus.com/making-sense...

Matter of Focus @matter-of-focus.com · 2y ago

Just shy of 300 people signed up to explore making their reports more outcome- and impact-focused with us today. Would you like to join us? Register by 12.30pm (GMT) to attend live (and take advantage of a Q&A!) and/or to get the recording. Reg. link: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi... More info ↓

Matter of Focus@matter-of-focus.com · 2y ago

Are you telling a compelling story of the difference your work makes? If your reports focus mainly on your activities and outputs, join us on 28 January for some practical tips to help you make your reports outcome- and impact-focused. www.matter-of-focus.com/make-your-re...

Infographic titled 'Compelling Impact Reports' with five colorful sections, each including text and an icon: 1) Focus on outcomes and impacts (green, hands icon), 2) Link activities to outcomes and impacts (purple, link icon), 3) Are transparent (blue, speech bubble icon), 4) Talk about the wider context (pink, gear icon), and 5) Illustrate findings (yellow, book icon). The footer displays 'www.matter-of-focus.com.

Matter of Focus @matter-of-focus.com · 2y ago

Got a funders report on your to-do list? Make your reports count: practical tips for outcome and impact-focused reporting Our next free webinar, on 28 January: Details and registration at: www.matter-of-focus.com/make-your-re...

"Infographic titled '6 Tips for Robust Reporting to demonstrate the difference your work makes.' Features six colorful sections with icons: 1) Think carefully about who your report is for and write for them (green, group icon). 2) Describe your activities succinctly – the reader needs to know 'what next?' (purple, speech bubble icon). 3) Discuss challenges and opportunities faced during delivery to provide context (blue, warning icon). 4) Answer key questions about engagement, reactions, learning, actions, and impact (pink, question mark icon). 5) Provide evidence to substantiate claims (yellow, magnifying glass icon). 6) Use pictures, quotes, and visualizations to tell the story (red, eye icon). Website link: www.matter-of-focus.com.

Matter of Focus @matter-of-focus.com · 2y ago

The @brisunipress.bsky.social January sale is a great opportunity to get a bargain-price copy of our book! How Do You Know If You Are Making a Difference? A Practical Handbook For Public Service Organisations.

Book cover for 'How Do You Know If You Are Making a Difference? A Practical Handbook for Public Service Organisations' by Sarah Morton and Ailsa Cook. The design features bold yellow and blue colors with abstract shapes and a map pin icon. Below is the website link: www.matter-of-focus.com/handbook.

Promotional graphic for the book 'How Do You Know If You Are Making a Difference? A Practical Handbook for Public Service Organisations.' Features two quotes: 1) 'Engaging, enlightening and practical – this is a must-read for public service workers wanting to know and demonstrate that they are making a difference.' – Sandra Nutley, University of St Andrews. 2) 'This book guides and encourages those of us working in public services. It does not gloss over the complexities and the commitment required but reassures us that it is worth it. People deserve to see their experiences captured.' – Mairi Simpson, Health Service Manager.

Bristol University Press@brisunipress.bsky.social · 2y ago

Save 50% on books in our #JanuarySale. Beat the January blues and fill your shelves with the latest research in your area of interest with 50% off all our books until 31 January using code BUP01 at the checkout. #BookSale #50Off Browse here:

Matter of Focus @matter-of-focus.com · 2y ago

📣 Delighted to announce our co-directors Dr Sarah Morton and Dr Ailsa Cook as a keynote speaker double act for the UK Evaluation Society's 2025 conference next May! Early bird hybrid online/in-person (Glasgow) tickets available now. #Evaluation #ImpactAssessment yve.eventsair.com/evaluation20...

Matter of Focus @matter-of-focus.com · 2y ago

Ensure your reports resonate and drive support for your work. Join impact expert @sasmort.bsky.social for our free webinar on 28 January. Sarah will share a framework and practical tips for outcome and impact-focused reporting. Free, live webinar with Q&A. www.matter-of-focus.com/make-your-re...

Make your reports count: practical tips for outcome and impact-focused reporting - Matter of Focus

Join us for ideas and practical steps to help you move beyond reporting on what you do and who you reach to start demonstrating the real difference your work makes.

matter-of-focus.com

Matter of Focus @matter-of-focus.com · 2y ago

Do your reports tell the full story of the difference your work makes? If you're struggling to move beyond reporting on what you did and how many people you reached to tell a strong story of impact, join @sasmort.bsky.social for our webinar in the new year. www.matter-of-focus.com/make-your-re...

Make your reports count: practical tips for outcome and impact-focused reporting - Matter of Focus

Join us for ideas and practical steps to help you move beyond reporting on what you do and who you reach to start demonstrating the real difference your work makes.

matter-of-focus.com

Matter of Focus @matter-of-focus.com · 2y ago

How do you make quality assurance processes more meaningful and manageable? Tomorrow we explore how pioneering charity Penumbra Mental Health has developed its use of our outcome and impact tracking software OutNav to assess quality across 75 services. www.matter-of-focus.com/quality-assu...

Quality assurance matters: - Matter of Focus

How Penumbra Mental Health has implemented and embedded a meaningful and practical approach to monitoring and assessing quality across their services for people.

matter-of-focus.com

Matter of Focus @matter-of-focus.com · 2y ago

Future Pathways supports people who were abused or neglected as children in the Scottish care system, aiming to help them live well. Today's webinar focuses on their work to integrate quality measurement with outcomes-focused self-evaluation. All welcome. www.matter-of-focus.com/taking-a-tra...

Taking a trauma-informed approach to quality and impact: - Matter of Focus

Explore how Future Pathways employs the Matter of Focus approach to understand and track impact and guide their quality and improvement work.

matter-of-focus.com

Scottish Recovery Network @scotrecoverynet.bsky.social · 2y ago

We asked people from across Scotland what makes peer support unique? This short animation highlights what they said. youtu.be/OH1YRcf3UAA?... (2 min watch) #PeerSupportScot #TheFutureIsPeer #MentalHealth #Recovery #LivedExperience

What makes peer support unique?

YouTube video by Scottish Recovery Network

youtu.be

Matter of Focus @matter-of-focus.com · 2y ago

Join us on 13 Nov. to explore how Future Pathways, a Scottish Government-funded service supporting survivors of childhood abuse in care has developed an integrated and trauma-informed approach to impact evaluation, quality measurement and service improvement. www.matter-of-focus.com/taking-a-tra...

Taking a trauma-informed approach to quality and impact: - Matter of Focus

Explore how Future Pathways employs the Matter of Focus approach and software to understand and track impact and guide their quality and improvement work.

matter-of-focus.com

Matter of Focus @matter-of-focus.com · 2y ago

Effecting change so that children and young people can receive the best support possible with their mental health and wellbeing. Key learning from evaluating a 5-year National Lottery-funded Early Action System Change Programme. #WorldMentalHealthDay www.matter-of-focus.com/improving-ac...

Improving access to mental health and wellbeing support for children, young people and young adults: - Matter of Focus

Findings and recommendations from the evaluation of Midlothian Early Action Partnership, an ambitious National Lottery-funded 5-year Early Action System Change Programme.

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Matter of Focus @matter-of-focus.com · 2y ago

When it comes to evaluation, what's good enough? If you're a programme leader, project manager, decision-maker or change-maker in the #ThirdSector or #PublicSector who wants to make the best difference you can and understand your impact, join us on Tuesday. www.matter-of-focus.com/whats-good-e...

What’s good enough? Effective and efficient evaluation in challenging times - Matter of Focus

Understanding the difference your work is making has never been more important. In the context of continued cuts, funders and decision-makers are looking for rapid and convincing evidence that the pro...

matter-of-focus.com

Matter of Focus @matter-of-focus.com · 2y ago

Understanding and evidencing the difference your work is making has never been more important, yet resources are tighter than ever. If you're looking for a proportionate approach to evaluation, join Matter of Focus co-director Ailsa Cook online on 8 Oct. www.matter-of-focus.com/whats-good-e...

Matter of Focus @matter-of-focus.com · 2y ago

Looking for a new role? We're looking for someone interested in helping organisations use evidence to understand and drive change, who has strong facilitation and evaluation/research skills and client/project management experience. Closes 12pm 30 September. www.matter-of-focus.com/senior-evalu...

We're recruiting a Senior Evaluation Consultant

Applications are open for a senior evaluation consultant role at Matter of Focus based in Edinburgh. Flexible working options available. Closes 12noon, 30 September 2024.

matter-of-focus.com