An outcomes framework sets out the changes an advice or advocacy service is working towards and provides the foundation for meaningful data collection.

It helps organisations focus on client impact — not just activity — by turning broad aims into specific, observable areas of change.

This makes evaluation more consistent, easier to communicate, and more useful for planning and funding.

For advice and advocacy services, the framework ensures that data collection is purposeful: each question, case note or survey is linked directly to the outcomes that matter.

It provides a shared structure for tracking progress, demonstrating impact, and improving services.