About the Outcomes Star™

The Outcomes Star™ measures progress for service users receiving support in order to maximise independence or achieve other goals. There are different versions of the Star for different sectors (e.g. homelessness, substance misuse, mental health and young people). However all versions consists of a number of scales and a Star chart (pictured below) onto which the service user’s score on each scale is plotted. The attitudes and behaviour expected at each of the points on each scale are clearly defined in detailed scale descriptions and summary ladders giving the scores some objectivity. These descriptions are based on an explicit model of change which creates coherence across the whole tool.

An Outcomes Star™ reading is taken by the worker and service user at or near the beginning of their time with the project. Using the ladders or other scale descriptions, they identify together where on their ladder of change the service user is for each outcome area. Each step on the ladder is associated with a numerical score so at the end of the process the scores can be plotted onto the service user’s Star. The process is then repeated at regular intervals (every three, six or 12 months depending on the project) to track progress. The data can be used to track the progress of an individual service user, to measure the outcomes achieved by a whole project and to benchmark with a national average for similar projects and client groups.

In the mental health version of the Star (called the Recovery Star) shown above, the green line represents the service user’s initial scores, the blue line is their most recent score.

Find out if the Star is suitable for your project.

Do soft outcomes really count? Find out more on why it is important to measure important internal shifts in attitudes and beliefs.