Self-harm strategy and action plan 2023-2027: outcomes framework

Part 2: The Outcomes Framework

This Outcomes Framework has been designed to guide the delivery, monitoring, and reporting of the Self-Harm Strategy and Action Plan. It has been developed and tested with key stakeholders, and we will continue to engage with these stakeholders throughout implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

Our focus has been to develop clear and measurable outcomes, together with the identification of appropriate indicators and data sources. We have worked to ensure that:

1) the short and medium-term outcomes reflect the intended outcomes from our priority actions, and;

2) the achievement of the short, and then medium-term outcomes act as stepping stones to achieving our vision.

The short-term outcomes relate to aspects of work which, we believe, the Strategy and Action Plan can directly influence in the 18 month period following publication (up to the mid-point review in Summer 2025).

The medium-term outcomes are longer term pieces of work, which will take us up to the end of the Strategy’s lifespan in Winter 2026/2027.

Ongoing development

Whilst we have already identified a number of indicators for evidencing changes to outcomes (Annex A), we know that the process of implementing the action plan and embedding the outcomes approach will likely present further opportunities for evidencing and measuring our progress. As part of that, we will actively explore opportunities to improve the availability of qualitative evidence, drawing on a wide range of lived and living experiences of people affected by self-harm. We will also ensure that any additional data collection will be proportionate, fit-for-purpose and will support transparency, accountability and future decision making at both a local and national level.

Underpinning the outcomes and their measurement, we will ensure that our growing knowledge of ‘what works’ in supporting people affected by self-harm is reflected in how we deliver our work. An example of this is our understanding of social determinants and stigma, which increase the risk of self-harm. This knowledge will be gained in many ways, including from routine evaluation of our activities and insights from people with lived experience, services and new research.

We also anticipate that through working alongside people who are contemplating or actively self-harming, and their loved ones, we will also identify more effective interventions and approaches that will reduce self, public and structural stigma.

We will continue to keep the outcomes framework and our underpinning assumptions under review and adapt as needed, as new evidence becomes available.