Survey design and outcomes for maternal and preschool children's well-being
Home-Start Worldwide supports families with young children facing challenges by recruiting and training volunteers to provide personalised, compassionate in-home support. Volunteers offer emotional support, practical help, and friendship, improving parenting skills, reducing isolation, and enhancing child development. Operating through a global network of 22 independent local Home-Start organisations from Australia to Zambia, we work to ensure every child has a solid foundation for life.
The request
HSW have been collecting general statistics annually for the last two years, from the member countries but are now looking to measure the specific impact and outcome of the services on the parents and children in order to build an Outcome Mapping Framework of the business.
The approach
Sayma carried out qualitative and quantitative analysis of the Annual Statistics data collected by Home-Start Worldwide so far, to observe any trends or patterns towards an Outcome Mapping Framework. It was concluded that the Annual Statistics survey was effective in measuring service levels among the member countries but not impact of the services. Consequently, a collaborative consultation was carried out with 5 member countries to develop an Outcome Measurement Survey, along with Guidance Notes to complete the survey, and is being piloted in these 5 countries between July 2024 to January 2025. Once a complete dataset of this pilot project is collected by HSW, the results can be analysed in a separate project to assess the feasibility of extending the Outcome Measurement Survey to the other member countries in 2025.
The result
A comprehensive final report was provided to HSW with the results of the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the existing data, the key findings, details of the pilot survey project and survey question recommendations. Further recommendations were also provided for accurate and reliable data collection and data management best practices. Sayma presented the report at the Home-Start Worldwide Trustees meeting in June 2024, addressing questions by the trustees on practical steps that can be taken now to assist with the wider outcome measurement and data collection project.
Impact and benefits
Sayma provided invaluable support with her thorough and professional data report. Despite the challenges of inconsistent data, she identified numerous useful data points that have significantly enhanced our understanding. Her implementation of the outcome mapping framework has given us a clear roadmap, guiding our journey in evidencing positive outcomes for children and families. We are deeply grateful for her expertise and dedication, which have been instrumental in advancing our mission.
Volunteer: Sayma Chowdhury
Home-Start Worldwide Project Leads: Kirpal Dhadda (CEO), Jacqueline Barnes (Trustee)