• Background to self-evaluation
• How to use the framework
  • Who might be involved or consulted
  • Evidence
  • Measurement
  • Prioritisation
  • Sources of further information
• The self-evaluation framework
• Search resources

Evidence

A strong evidence base to support your findings and judgements is an essential part of a robust self-evaluation. You need to be clear about why you think something is good or bad, working well or could be improved. It is always beneficial to draw evidence from more than one source to ensure that your conclusions are reliable, applicable and valid.

There are two types of evidence: qualitative and quantative

Qualitative evidence consists of observations, quotations, opinions and reactions from appropriate sources (both inside and outside your organisation) that inform your conclusions. Examples include:

• artistic assessments, including those commissioned by the Arts Council
• critical review and other media comment
• audience and participant responses

Quantitative evidence is the combination of facts and figures that inform your conclusions. Examples include:

• attendance figures
• membership numbers
• demographic data
• income against budget related to a particular activity or event
• increases or reductions in, for example, donations