Self-directed learning

ESS have created free, online, interactive learning modules for members of third sector organisations to develop the knowledge and skills to be able to do self-evaluation at their own pace.

You can navigate our Evaluation Pathway as one way of getting started with self-evaluation or to check on your progression.

This image depicts our cyclical evaluation pathway. The first step of the pathway, indicated by a green dot, is setting outcomes and indicators. The second step, indicated by a purple dot, is collecting evidence. The third step, indicated by a red dot, is analysing and reporting. And the fourth step, indicated by a blue dot, is acting on your learning. A grey arrow connects the four dots and creates a circle.

Introduction to Logic Modelling – online learning

The resource will help you build your own basic logic model, use a logic model to link your work to higher level outcomes, and use a logic model for evaluation.

Introduction to logic modelling online learning

The video will help you build your own basic logic model, use a logic model to link your work to higher level outcomes, and use a logic model for evaluation.

Download the Support Resources document which includes links to templates and guides on our website that you will use during your online learning.


Not just a story: making more use of experiences and stories

As part of everyday work you hear many people’s experiences and stories about what’s important in their lives and how they feel about your services. This workbook helps you explore how to make use of that rich information to show you are making a difference, to improve your services and to feed into policy. 

Not just a story: making more use of experiences and stories

This workbook is for people working in third sector organisations. As part of everyday work you hear many people’s experiences and stories about what’s important in their lives and how

This workbook is suitable for people who have attended our Let’s Evaluate! training or already have a good understanding of how to set, measure and report on outcomes. 

You can use this workbook on your own or use the questions and exercises to stimulate discussion with a group of colleagues. 


Further topic specific workshops

View our topic specific workshops:


Thrive Lite

Thrive Lite is a free online course of self-directed study for organisations based in Scotland who use sport or physical activity to achieve a range of outcomes. Thrive Lite is particularly suited to those who may have a part-time or volunteer role within the sector.

The Thrive Learning Programme was developed and delivered by Evaluation Support Scotland and Actify.

This image contains a quote from one of our Thrive participants which reads: "I particularly enjoyed learning more in detail about evaluation, indicators and measuring outcomes properly. It has helped me to reinforce that taking the time to complete these steps is vital for the success of a project."
A quote from one of our Thrive participants

Click here to visit the Thrive Learning Programme website for more information

We’re here to help! Contact us for help and advice.