What is Matter of Focus?
Matter of Focus is a certified B Corporation providing expert consultancy and software to public and voluntary service organisations to help them understand and track the difference they make. Born from a vision to support dynamic change initiatives, Matter of Focus was co-founded in 2017 by Dr. Ailsa Cook and Dr. Sarah Morton – two professionals with a seven-year track record of assisting public service organisations to understand, evaluate and report on complex, people-based change. The company prides itself on blending consultancy with cutting-edge software, creating a holistic approach that marries evaluation, research, and assessment… all aimed at generating meaningful impact.
Main Benefit: Key Figures & Facts
Matter of Focus brings enormous expertise and tangible benefits to public service organisations. Highlighted below are some key aspects that demonstrate the concrete benefits delivered by this innovative initiative:
- Certified B Corporation with a stellar bcorp score of 96.7.
- Co-founded in 2017 by experts with a seven-year record in supporting complex, people-based change.
- Crafts a unique combination of expert consultancy and software – OutNav – to support self-assessment and data-driven improvements.
- Awarded the ScotlandIs Digital Technology Award for Public Sector Innovation in 2023.
- Operates in the Software publishing and SaaS platforms industry, offering practical, accessible tools for evaluation and impact management.
Expertise and Strategic Approach
The underlying expertise at Matter of Focus is second to none. Evaluation and impact experts with extensive experience closely work within public service organisations, demonstrating an in-depth understanding of the challenges faced in today’s dynamic environment. The methodology is robust: a tried, tested, and refined approach that navigates the complexities of research, data collection, and assessment. The approach combines hands-on consultancy with an innovative software solution, ensuring that organisations have the necessary tools to measure and share the difference they make. This strategy not only fosters accountability and learning but also helps shape future opportunities… where every project is driven by empirical evidence.
OutNav: A Practical Impact-Driven Tool
OutNav is the software built to embody the core approach of Matter of Focus. The idea was straightforward – provide organisations with a single, practical and accessible system where all data, evidence, and evaluations can be held together seamlessly. Through OutNav, public service organisations can embed ongoing, outcome and impact-focused self-assessment into day-to-day work. This dynamic tool is packed with features that support the collection of data and offer insights which drive research and evaluation processes. Thanks to OutNav, strategic assessments become simpler, making it easier to track progress and make meaningful improvements.
The Journey of Evaluation and Self-Assessment
The journey facilitated by Matter of Focus is all about self-discovery and continuous improvement. Organisations are guided through a process that helps them understand, define, track, and report on the difference they make. It is a pathway that encourages self-reflection, rigorous evaluation, and ongoing monitoring. With every step of the journey, teams learn to harness their own data and evidence, turning everyday challenges into opportunities for impactful change. This innovative approach is not just about measuring performance; it is about adapting, learning and continuously evolving in a way that truly matters.
Integrating Consultancy and Cutting-Edge Tools
Drawing on expert consultancy combined with top-tier software solutions, Matter of Focus stands out as a leader in evaluation and assessment strategy. The blend of human expertise with high-performance data tools creates an ecosystem where considerable research, impact and assessment come together. Organisations benefit from tailored advice and an integrated platform that simplifies complex tasks. It is a system that underscores the importance of self-evaluation, creating a feedback loop that drives improvement. There is a dynamic interplay between consultancy support and digital innovation – making the entire process a practical and engaging experience.
Project Impact: Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – by supporting public service initiatives that enhance community health.
- SDG 4: Quality Education – through the provision of training and tools that improve understanding and learning.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – by empowering organisations to evaluate and address disparities in services.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – through effective impact assessment for community projects.
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – by fostering transparent, data-driven decision making.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – through collaboration between public bodies and the supportive role of consultancy.
Future Prospects and Continuous Improvement
Matter of Focus is set for an exciting future, continuously evolving its model to meet the demands of dynamic public service environments. The emphasis on using practical, accessible software like OutNav, along with the deep expertise of impact and evaluation specialists, forms a robust framework that inspires trust and reliability. With ongoing research and rigorous assessment processes, organisations have the power to not only capture the difference they make today but to shape a future where impact and innovation are at the forefront. By continually refining their approach, they ensure that every piece of data becomes a stepping stone toward improvement – proving that when evaluation and technology converge, remarkable transformations follow… in a natural, engaging and sustainable manner.
