Implementation guidance: Measuring impact and sharing action
It is important for Education Scotland to gather feedback and measure impact to help inform future improvements and share effective practice. We kindly ask colleagues who are taking forward or have completed implementation to support Education Scotland in this process by completing the following form.
More importantly, in all consultation activities, it is essential that children and young people are informed of what has happened as a result of their involvement. Even when ideas cannot be implemented, it is vital to explain clearly what actions have or have not been taken and why. This helps close the feedback loop and ensures young people feel heard and respected.
As such, practitioners should take steps to feedback to children and young people. Below are some examples of how this may be done:
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Establish regular feedback sessions where children and young people can discuss the results of a research on a theme and next steps
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Use visual tools or displays (e.g. 'You Said, We Did' boards) in school, community or organisational settings to share outcomes of peer research
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Facilitate reflective sessions post-consultation, allowing children and young people to explore what was achieved and what could change next time
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Send follow-up communications such as emails, letters, or videos summarising the outcome of peer research conducted
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Create a youth advisory group to monitor and follow up on decisions and youth voice action plans.
Regardless of the method used, it is recommended that practitioners adopt an approach that clearly demonstrates what action has been taken as a result of peer research and consultation on a given theme. Failing to do so can undermine the trust children and young people place in adults who engage them in discussions about issues that impact their lives.
