An introduction to the events data observatory feasibility study

Major events have long been expected to conduct a robust impact evaluation, and there are a growing number of excellent tools to support measurement and analysis. DCMS is currently overseeing two major projects to bring further consistency and rigour to the process.

But what happens with all this rich content once the organising committee has disbanded or the funders and commissioners have moved on to the next project? Knowledge transfer in the sector is too often reliant on a mixture of goodwill and luck. Evaluation and research are important for accountability purposes of course, but we could be getting so much more from them to support both future events, and the wider sectors involved in them.

FRY Creative conducted a feasibility study into how to take this from a good idea (a ‘no-brainer’ in the words of many we’ve spoken to) into an operational reality.  Based on interviews with stakeholders across policy, research, sports and culture, the study prioritises the needs and functions of different stakeholders.  There is a clear appetite not just for a ‘one stop shop’ of relevant evaluation reports but aggregated and curated content, brought to life through workshops, and providing a gateway for original research. 

We were delighted that the foreword was co-signed by a fantastic array of experts including Martin Green CBE , Helen Bewsher , raidene carter , Peter Dawson , Dr Beatriz Garcia , David McGillivray , Gayle McPherson , Penny Mills , Andrew Mowlah , Jonothan Neelands , Cat Orchard , Verity Postlethwaite , Andrew Smith , Kully Thiarai , Nicola Turner MBE , Niels de Vos , Ben Walmsley , Ruth Hollis OBE & the Spirit of 2012 Board of Trustees.

We’re looking to take this idea to the next stage – please get in touch if you’d like to help make that happy. 

Read the feasibility study on the Spirit website.