Overview

Measuring impact is not about ticking boxes - it’s about understanding how Family Hubs are making a difference, listening to the people we serve, and continually growing stronger together.

A good evaluation framework balances hard data (numbers and outcomes) with real stories and relationships. It should also respect the different contributions that churches, faith groups, and other community partners bring.

1 . Evaluation Frameworks

Why it matters:

Clear evaluation shows families, partners, and funders that Family Hubs are effective, needed, and adaptable.

Key Metrics to Track:

• Number of families served
• Demographics and community reach
• Improved outcomes for children and parents (e.g., school readiness, mental health, employment)
• Volunteer engagement and peer support activity
• Strength and quality of partnerships (e.g., with faith groups, local services)
• ‘Faith-friendly’ metrics such as belonging, hope and resilience

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You can see examples of how to track and measure all of these metrics using this Family Hub evaluation tool guide.

2. Continuous Improvement

Why it matters:

Listening and learning are key to healthy growth. Regular feedback loops allow Hubs to respond to needs quickly and build deeper trust with families and partners.

Practical Steps:

• Set up simple, regular feedback tools for families (e.g., surveys, suggestion boxes, family listening sessions)  
• Invite ongoing reflection from faith groups and volunteers
• Review feedback alongside performance data
• Celebrate what's working, and be honest about what needs to change

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3. Long-Term Planning

Why it matters:

Good Family Hubs don't just run on maintenance mode. Planning for the future — and being ready to adapt — ensures that services continue to meet real community needs.

Tools and Strategies:

• Annual review processes (e.g. measuring impact table)
• Community needs assessments  
• Scenario planning: How would the Hub respond if demand doubled? If funding changed?  
• Leadership succession planning (e.g., preparing new leaders, diversifying skills)
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4. Case Studies of Successful Partnerships

Why it matters:
Case studies help us understand lessons learned and best practice. They are real-world examples showing what works— and what pitfalls to avoid.

What case studies should highlight:

• How churches and local authorities partnered effectively
• Practical lessons learned (e.g., about trust, flexibility, shared leadership)  
• Real outcomes for families and communities  
• Testimonials from faith leaders and local authority staff

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5. Case Studies from Families

Why it matters:

Personal stories demonstrate the true impact of Family Hubs better than any statistic. Gathering and sharing testimonials can inspire others and guide service development. Research Professor, Brene Brown famously said that, 'stories are data with soul', don’t lose the power of a real life story.

How to gather family stories respectfully:

• Invite participation, don't require it
• Offer different ways for families to share (written, recorded, creative)  
• Protect anonymity if needed  
• Focus on hope, growth, and celebrate the family.

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Further Information:

• Measuring Impact Table

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Case Study 

Impact Measurement

• Yeovil Community Church works with families from their local community as part of the Hub offer and tracks both quantitative and qualitative outcomes for their programmes, focusing on the number of families reached, the success of interventions, and the stories of those who benefit from their support.
• Key metrics include:
  
  • Number of families served.
  • Referrals from other organisations.
  • Volunteer engagement (including former beneficiaries becoming volunteers).
  • Success stories from families who have connected to the hub.

Challenges and Overcoming Barriers

• Yeovil Community Church (YCC) faced challenges in maintaining its identity while collaborating with public sector organisations. One specific challenge was the concern about losing control over their programmes or faith-based components (e.g., prayer for families) when working under council agreements.
• YCC was also wary of bureaucratic processes and the complexity of public sector data and reporting requirements. They overcame these by maintaining open communication, aligning on shared goals, and being willing to innovate.
• Another barrier they faced was overcoming public sector skepticism about faith-based groups, but YCC navigated this through transparency, commitment to serving without imposing faith, and demonstrating their effectiveness in the community.

This toolkit is just the beginning. The journey of Family Hubs is about relationships. No building or system will ever replace the power of welcome, listening, and walking with families in love and hope.