Local WfH evaluation

This section is aimed at helping local WfH deliverers to carry out their own evaluation and research.

On this page:

• Tips on conducting local research and evaluation
• Suggested research topics
• Using the WfH Database

Tips on conducting local research and evaluation

• Before you start, find out what is being or has been done nationally, as the information you want might already be available. This could save you the time and the cost of designing and running your own research, and minimise the burden on your walkers to complete more surveys. (You can be confident in the quality of our national research, as we use robust methodologies, large sample sizes and strict data protection principles, as well as a fair and open tender process for contracts that are let externally.)

• Contact us! Let us know what you’re planning to do. We may be able to help with the design and delivery of the research. Please note that while WfH is in the process of being handed over, we may not be able to respond as quickly as we would like.

• Don’t leave it till the end! Plan your project evaluation from the start and run it alongside your project.

• If you are carrying out evaluation for your funders, find out exactly what they want. Ask them to be specific.

• Can you work with an academic partner, such as researchers (students or staff) from your local university? They’ll be able to lend their time and expertise, can help with tricky things like ethics approval, and can give extra credibility to the study.

• Work within the scope of your project, and make sure the questions you ask are relevant and useful. Ask questions that help you find out how well you are doing with what you are trying to achieve, and help you identify areas for improvement.

• Don’t be afraid to combine different types of evaluation. For example, using real life stories (case stories) alongside a few facts and figures can paint a powerful picture.

• When using questionnaires, keep them short and specific. Use clear, easy to understand questions, but avoid those of a personal or sensitive nature. Using incentives may help increase the response.

• Keep a record of any feedback and comments you receive – whether formal or informal. You may find patterns emerging over time, and at the very least they will serve as useful quotes.

• Complement your evaluation with wider research. 

Suggested research topics

If you’re lucky enough to have the time and money to do some research into WfH, but you’re not sure what to look at, here are some suggestions.  

• Why do people start, stop or stay WfH? (we have looked at this with our national evaluation, but your local findings may be different) 
• Which is most important to walkers: the health aspect, the social aspect, or the great outdoors? 
• How can your walks be improved? 
• How can you improve the publicity and marketing of your walks? 
• How can you attract non-walkers, including those from minority groups? 
• How does WfH help ‘connect’ individuals with the natural environment? 
• How well does WfH fit the new Big Society model? 
• How well does your walk scheme cater for people with different types of disability? 
• What perceptions do your walkers have of walking and exercise? 
• How far are people prepared to travel to health walks? 

Using the WfH Database

The WfH Database offers an easy and effective means of monitoring your walks. For example you can monitor whether you are attracting walkers from areas of high deprivation, an ethnic mix of walkers comparable to your local population, from certain age groups, and so on. It can also tell you how many people are walking and how frequently.

With this information you can make compelling arguments about your walk scheme.

Have a look at our guide to how evidence can help your walk scheme, or read the tips below.

When using the Database to help with your evaluation: 

• Know what you want to find out before you start to look. Ask yourself:
  • What information do you need?
  • What has your funder asked for?
  • What message are you trying to put across?

• Once you’ve got the data you need, be creative with how you use it. Look for good headlines and stories that will appeal to people (such as your funders!)

• Show off! Simple figures can carry a very powerful message. Use the data to demonstrate what your walk scheme has achieved.

• Don’t ignore data that tells you bad news – use it to help you make improvements.

• Tailor the data to your audience. Funding is often tied to hard-to-reach groups – if so then run some reports for that group. For those that are under-represented, find out why and try to redress the balance.

• Compare the data to other sources, for example:
  • The Census – this will show which demographics are under or over-represented in your walk scheme compared to the wider population. Make the most of Census profiles for your area, local neighbourhood statistics , or try the ‘Wizard query’ to carry out detailed searches.
  • Other activities you run – how does your walk scheme compare to your badminton class or your chair-based exercise class? What does this tell you?

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