Outcomes triangle and logic model

Outcomes triangle

The outcomes triangle gives an overview of how archives can contribute at service, intermediate and overarching strategic outcome levels.

An example of the outcomes triangle. A triangle has been horizontally divided into three segments: top is 'overarching strategic outcomes', middle is 'intermediate outcomes', and bottom is 'service outcomes'. Blank text boxes have been overlaid onto the triangle.

The outcomes triangle model

Outcomes could be:

Overarching strategic outcomes

  • Strong and resilient communities
  • Sustainable and thriving neighbourhoods
  • A greater sense of place and increased civic pride
  • Equitable and integrated communities

Intermediate outcomes

  • Tackling the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour
  • More people participating in local decision making
  • Increased philanthropy and giving
  • Greater diversity of people participating in local decision making
  • Improved understanding of cultural diversity, identity and shared heritage

Service outcomes

  • More people accessing information about local decision making
  • Increased skills and capacity amongst local heritage organisations
  • Increased acknowledgement that archives contribute to a sense of place
  • More people volunteering and involved in community life through archives
  • Increased engagement by young people and adults facing inequalities

Logic model

The logic model illustrates the main links between service activities and local outcomes. This example suggest broad groupings of activities, benefits archives can offer to individuals, communities and places, and how these in turn contribute to the achievement of intermediate and overarching strategic outcomes.

A blank logic model template, displaying five columns of empty fields to be filled in. The columns read (from left to right): 'Archive services and activities', 'Service outcomes', 'Benefits', 'Intermediate outcomes' and 'Overarching strategic outcomes'.

A logic model template

Outcomes could be:

Archive activities

  • Facilities and information provision
  • Volunteering opportunities
  • Training, employment and mentoring schemes
  • Support for community groups
  • Management, conservation and preservation of collections
  • Development and outreach work
  • Events, sessions and clubs

Service outcomes

  • Increased acknowledgment that archives contribute to a sense of place
  • More people volunteering and involved in community life through archives
  • Increased skills and capacity among local heritage organisations
  • More people accessing information about local decision making
  • Increased engagement by young people and adults facing inequalities

Benefits

  • Improved cultural infrastructure, image and identity
  • Increased capacity and improved service provision
  • Increased confidence, self-esteem, personal responsibility and resilience
  • Increased social interaction, new relationships and role models
  • Increased understanding of local services and community issues
  • Stronger identification with local community and increased respect for others

Intermediate outcomes

  • Increased philanthropy and giving
  • More sustainable services or parent organisation
  • Improved understanding of cultural diversity, identity and shared heritage
  • Greater diversity of people participating in local decision making
  • Tackling the fear of crime amd anti-social behaviour

Overarching strategic outcomes

  • Sustainable and thriving neighbourhoods
  • Strong and resilient communities
  • A greater sense of place and increased civic pride
  • Equitable and integrated communities

Our section on ‘What to include‘ has more information about the outcomes triangle and logic model methods

Step two of ‘Creating your framework‘ features a step by step guide to creating an outcomes triangle and logic model