Developing an Outcomes Framework and Measures Database for Foundations
Client: Foundations: What Works Centre for Children and Families
Partners: The Brilliant Club, the Association for Young People’s Health (AYPH)
Duration: 2025 – 2026
Geography: England
Solutions: Organisational Learning and Growth, Measurement
We are working with Foundations, the What Works Centre for Children and Families in the UK, to develop an Outcomes Framework and a Measures Database aligned with that Framework. The project will help to ensure that Foundations’ programme of work is focused on the most important outcomes for vulnerable children, and that their impact evaluations can measure positive change aligned with these priorities.
We are leading a consortium to deliver this project. Together with The Brilliant Club and AYPH, we will
facilitate Foundations to agree an Outcomes Framework driven by their four strategic child outcomes:
1. Children and young people are supported by their family to develop and thrive
2. Children and young people are safe in their homes
3. Children, young people, and families stay together as much as is safely possible
4. Children in care and care leavers have stable, loving relationships.
develop a Measures Database (a database with information about outcome measures that can be used in impact evaluations) that is aligned with the Outcomes Framework
The Outcomes Framework and Measures Database will be developed iteratively, to ensure that both are informed by Foundations’ strategy and priorities, Foundations’ staff and stakeholders’ professional expertise, lessons learnt from other outcome frameworks, and the wider evidence base on outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.
Foundations will publish the final Measures Database, a report on the Outcomes Framework and Measures Database, and guidance on using the Database, in May 2026.
Key Activities:
Desk review of existing outcomes frameworks
Rapid literature review of systematic reviews of outcomes related to relevant outcomes for children and young people
Consensus building and ranking survey with Foundations staff
External consultations, including with professional stakeholders and young people
Development of a thematically organised Outcomes Framework
COSMIN appraisal of outcome measures
Development of a searchable Measures Database with useful information for evaluators
Publications:
