NHS Lothian Charity Evaluation Framework

To ensure our funding makes a real difference, we use an outcomes-based evaluation framework. This helps us understand what has changed for patients, staff, and services as a result of charitable support.

What is the Evaluation Framework?

Our framework uses outcomes and indicators to measure what has changed for individuals and services. These will vary from project to project.

The outcomes and related indicators will vary from project to project. For example, new equipment might mean reduced waiting times, a less invasive procedure could result in quicker recovery, or a refurbished child-friendly waiting room could lead to less anxiety and a more positive experience for young patients.

Why It Matters:

Building evaluation into your project design:

Strengthens your funding application.
Demonstrates the impact of charitable investment.
Supports continuous learning and improvement.

So, when completing your application, remember to tell us not only what you want support for but also what difference (the outcomes) that investment will make and how you will know (indicators). Building evaluation into the project design will allow us to assess its effectiveness in achieving its stated goals. By prioritising evaluation from the outset, we can move beyond simply completing a project to demonstrating positive change and continuous learning.