Why use the Star?

The Outcomes Star™ has proved enormously popular with workers, managers, service users and commissioners because:

1. It helps improve keywork and provides evidence of outcomes

2. It counts the things that really count

3. It is easy to implement.

1. Improving keywork and providing evidence of outcomes

Most tools fall into one of two categories – either they support the keywork process but fail to provide systematic, objective outcomes data, or they provide good outcomes data but are not popular with keyworkers and service users because they are cumbersome and/or intrusive. In contrast the Outcomes Star™ seems to be unique in both enhancing keywork and providing useful outcomes data. Find out more on improving keywork and evidencing outcomes.

2. Counting the things that really count

The models of change that underpin different versions of the Star are developed after extensive consultation and research. Agencies find that they genuinely reflect the steps that service users take towards their end goal. As a result the outcomes data is extremely meaningful to service providers, giving practical and usable information with clear implications for service delivery. Many other tools or sets of indicators, in contrast, are not underpinned by a clear model of change and as a result the data can be difficult to interpret and not a true representation of progress. More on the model of change.

3. Easy implementation

Developing a way of measuring outcomes takes considerable time and effort. Our experience indicates that developing an effective tool requires extensive consultation, expertise and a number of pilots to refine and improve the tool. The Outcomes Star™ is a tried and tested tool which can be instantly downloaded free of charge. It is also supported by training, manuals and an online system which make the job of measuring outcomes do-able rather than an impossible mountain to climb. Find out more on implementation, the online system and training.