Project evaluation
Impact research
We carried out some impact research in 2010. This took the form of an online survey which course participants from the first three years of the project were invited to complete. The key findings are outlined below. The full report, produced by Melita Armitage & Michèle Taylor, can be found at the foot of the page.
Positive headlines
- The average number of hours spent inspecting each place of worship before the Faith in Maintenance course was 1.81 hours per month. After the course this rose to 3.19 hours.
- 52.33% of respondents said that, since the Faith in Maintenance course, they have required the contractors they use to have more appropriate conservation experience.
Confidence levels
- 83.92% of respondents felt more confident about identifying maintenance issues or problems at their place of worship.
- 73.83% of respondents felt more confident about knowing what to do about maintenance problems when they find them.
- 56.15% of respondents felt more confident about seeking advice from professional advisors such as architects or surveyors.
- 64.62% of 195 people who have had a quinquennial inspection since the course said they approached their inspection differently, as opposed to 35.38% who said they had not.
Voluntary role
- 80.33% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the course increased their enjoyment of their voluntary role.
- 81.12% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the course made them more motivated to deliver their voluntary role.
- 84.54% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the course increased their sense that they are making a useful contribution.
- 32.86% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the course gave them skills that they can take to their ‘day job'.
Use of logbooks
- 34.64% of respondents reported that they had changed the way they use their maintenance logbook, diary or file.
- 26.23% of respondents reported that their maintenance logbook, diary or file is being updated more regularly as a result of the course.
Full impact report
Download the full impact report