The Vision Behind the Project
We’re entering the next stage of the Quality Project: building a national picture of independent advocacy in Scotland. This step will give the sector a stronger voice, backed by evidence that can influence funding decisions, shape policy, and demonstrate the vital role independent advocacy plays in creating social and systems change.
Good quality data helps us understand the sector better and therefore it is central to this next step of the Quality Project. At the same time, we recognise the need to balance this with respect for member organisations’ varied capacity and ways of working, given how complex and diverse the sector is. Capturing this reality in a single national picture is challenging, but essential if we want to advocate effectively and secure the resources the sector needs.
The Logic Model: Foundations and Approach
To guide this work aiming to capture good quality data, we’ve developed a logic model that forms the foundation for the dataset and report. It maps five high-level activities representing the core areas of independent advocacy work and connects them to outcomes drawn from the Outcomes Framework. This model shows how members’ work contributes to collective impact and makes explicit the assumptions behind these connections. It’s not just a technical tool, but a way to ensure that what we measure reflects our values and what matters most.
From this model, we identified detailed activities and possible measures. We’ll select those that provide the most comprehensive national picture while remaining realistic about what’s measurable within the timeframe and capacity available. This approach builds on what the sector has shared and agreed on over the years:
- Independent Advocacy Principles, Standards and Code of Best Practice
- Outcomes Framework in the Toolkit for Demonstrating Impact of Independent Advocacy
- Defining Quality in Scottish Independent Advocacy: Research Report
- Past data shared by members through Advocacy Maps, provision updates, and SIAA’s annual conference.
These foundations enable shared measurement – a key pillar for understanding collective impact. By repeating shared measurement annually, we’ll create a rich evidence base that shows trends and changes over time.
Often, the logic models with its activities and outcomes are co-created through participative processes to establish shared measurement parameters. In this case, we’ve drawn on previous co-created work and ongoing engagement with members to connect existing pieces – rather than inventing something brand new. We know this won’t be perfect from the start. That’s why we’re taking an iterative approach: starting small, learning from the quality and usefulness of the data, feedback we’d receive from members participating, and refining as we go. The logic model helps us track assumptions and make adjustments without reinventing the process each time. In short, we’re building something that can grow and improve with the sector.
Why Shared Data Matters
The data will belong to the membership. All participating organisations will have access to anonymised, aggregated information. This shared evidence enables collective learning: organisations can compare and benchmark their work, and together we can tell a richer story about the complexity of independent advocacy and the many ways it drives change.
Beyond learning, this evidence base becomes a powerful tool for influencing and resource mobilisation. Funders increasingly look for clear, comparable data to justify investment; and organisations that can demonstrate their impact effectively are better positioned to secure grants and long-term support. Similarly, having robust sector-wide insights strengthens negotiating power – whether in policy discussions or setting fair contract terms with funders, because decisions can be grounded in shared evidence rather than assumptions.
How to Get Involved
Our next step is a data collection exercise in February 2026. We’ll ask member organisations to complete a survey capturing a snapshot of their activities, including referrals, workforce and funding information, as well as case studies illustrating outcomes. Throughout the month, we’ll provide hands-on support: drop-in sessions, alternative ways to share information, and more.
For now, you can view and comment on the logic model here. It’s hosted on a Miro board, which includes instructions, context on collective impact, and key assumptions. If you need help accessing the board or want to discuss the project, please get in touch with Marta.
The goal of the Quality Project is to support the sector in an informed, evidence-based way that is grounded in member organisations’ real experiences. By contributing to this shared picture, organisations support each other and the entire sector influence policy, secure funding, and demonstrate impact.
For years to come, we can make sure the voices of independent advocacy – of the organisations, Advocacy Partners and Groups across Scotland- are heard loud and clear where it matters most. Let’s build this national picture together.
