Guidance and resources
Before you start an evaluation, it is important to understand what your intervention is trying to achieve and how you will get there. Step 1 of the monitoring and evaluation framework is to map the components of your intervention and describe how you will bring about the desired outcomes.
Theory of change
A theory of change is a framework that shows how an activity is expected to contribute to the intended outcomes and impact, in the context of the challenge you are addressing. By developing a theory of change, you can understand how different aspects of your intervention fit together to achieve your final goal. A theory of change should ideally be created when developing a new initiative, and always at the start of an evaluation. Find out more about creating a theory of change and try our free online Theory of Change Builder.
Mapping outcomes and activities
To help you describe and monitor the activities and outcome included in your intervention, you can use the Mapping Outcomes and Activities Tool (MOAT). The MOAT maps common activities delivered as part of widening participation initiatives and their associated outcomes. It assists practitioners and evaluators to consistently label and record the outcomes and activities they deliver, including as part of a theory of change. We have developed MOATs for pre-entry, attainment-raising pre-entry, and post-entry initiatives . Find out more about the MOATs.
Once you have completed your theory of change, you can move on to Stage 2: Plan.