8. Change Minds Evaluation

The aim of the Change Minds Hub’s evaluation process is to work out what, if any, effect participating in the Change Minds project has on people’s wellbeing. It’s important for us to measure this and collect information so we can see what value there is in running projects like Change Minds. Some key points for participant are:

The evaluation process utilises the WEMWBS methodology which measures mental wellbeing in the general population and the evaluation of projects, programmes and policies which aim to improve mental wellbeing.
All information is provided voluntarily, and people can choose not to provide personal information and feedback. This is their right.
Information that is provided will be treated confidentially and stored securely in compliance with GDPR regulations. If people would like to see our privacy policy, we are happy to provide that.
Evaluation is crucial to be able to prove that the events took place which is really important for funders. To do this we have to know how many people took part and if it helped. Gathering this information will help us attract funding so that we can run more Change Minds programmes.
Evaluation is vital to be able to improve what is delivered, so we learn from what is good and adjust where needed so that we can deliver the best possible experience. This is why we need to know honestly from people involved in the programme what worked and what needed a rethink.
We have to show that there has been a change, and we can only do that by asking people questions. We have to show that we are measuring the same things, so we have standard questions that we ask everyone.
It is vital that the different voices involved are heard and represented. If we only hear from a few people then we will not have a representative picture. Everyone’s point of view is important and should be represented. We therefore need as many people’s feedback as possible.
We need to know a wide variety of people were involved in the programme which is why we need some personal information. This will be stored and processed anonymously and will be in line with GDPR at all times.

Below is a step-by-step guide for Project Coordinators that covers the key tasks required to ensure the evaluation process runs smoothly, and when they should be completed.

There is also a selection of resources required to complete the evaluation process.

The evaluation process: a step-by-step guide

When	Task
Before the project starts	Review the Informed Consent Film and section above so that you can discuss consent to the evaluation process with participants.
Workshop 1	Complete the Participant Register spreadsheet and assign unique reference numbers to each participant’s data. These will be copied over to the participants’ completed questionnaires to ensure all data is anonymised. Store the Participant Register in a secure file location (lockable cupboard if hard copy or with password protection if electronic file). Ensure participants have copies of the Participant Information Sheet and Change Minds Privacy Policy, then ask them to complete the participant consent form if they agree to take part in the evaluation. Ensure they have copies of the Participant Information Sheet and Change Minds Privacy Policy before they sign the Consent Form. Distribute paper copies of the Change Minds Wellbeing Evaluation – Week 1 questionnaire and Demographic Questionnaires to participants who are willing to take part. Each participant should receive copies of both questionnaires that are inscribed with their corresponding unique reference numbers. They don’t need to add personal data to their questionnaires. If participants have any queries about the questions you may find the Guide to helping participants fill in Change Minds Wellbeing Evaluation useful. Take in the completed wellbeing and demographic questionnaires and store them securely for the duration of the project and separately from the participant register.
Workshops 1-12	Keep track of participant attendance at each workshop with the Engagement Tracker.
Workshop 12	Distribute new paper copies of the Change Minds Wellbeing Evaluation – Week 12 questionnaire to participants who have consented to complete one. Each participant should receive a copy with their own Participant Reference Number from the Participant Register. Take in the completed questionnaires and store them securely.
Upon Completion	Send the completed wellbeing questionnaires (two for each participant) , demographic questionnaires (one for each participant) and completed Engagement Tracker to the Change Minds Hub via secure email or registered post. Fill in the Reflective Questions for Project Coordinators form and return to Change Minds Hub. Send the participant register spreadsheet via secure email or secure post to the Change Minds Hub team. This must be sent separately from the questionnaires to ensure anonymity. Destroy all original questionnaires and the participant register once the Hub team have confirmed receipt of the copies.

The evaluation process: a step-by-step guide

Downloadable Resources