The Outcomes Star
About this good practice
The Outcomes Star is an evidence-based tool designed to support jobseekers through their journey of change by focusing on their perspectives and priorities. It provides a holistic assessment of both strengths and areas needing improvement to help jobseekers progress. The tool views jobseekers as active agents in their own lives, encouraging them to take ownership rather than being passive recipients of professional intervention.
The Outcomes Star emphasizes the importance of jobseekers' perspectives and priorities. Its holistic assessment highlights both aspects of life that are going well and areas where changes are needed for the jobseeker to progress. The jobseeker is seen as an active agent who takes ownership of their own life and contributes valuable expertise and knowledge, rather than being a passive recipient of the professional's expertise.
As part of the personalized action plan, the Outcomes Star aims to empower the jobseeker by focusing on where they are stuck and what actions they can take to overcome specific issues. Employment Advisors and jobseekers collaborate to build a shared perspective on addressing these issues and determining the necessary actions.
Jobseekers can visually track their current state across various outcome areas. The Work Star is used with mainstream jobseekers, while the Pathway Star, designed for vulnerable groups, is employed with long-term unemployed youth to identify and address additional problematic areas.
Resources needed
€14,500 for initial training costs in the UK for 9 staff, including 9 user licenses (valid for 1 year), funded by an Erasmus+ project.
Another, €3,000 was spent on training for a licensed trainer and 1 year fee.
The User license costs €1,500 and the Trainer's License costs €1,450 annually.
Evidence of success
The Outcomes Star, tailored to specific sectors in collaboration with specialised service providers and commissioners, has proven effective in supporting and measuring change in service users. Developed by Triangle Social Enterprise Ltd, it features over 45 versions, used globally in over 14 countries and available in multiple languages. Following its introduction, 50% of youths using the Outcomes Star secured employment.
Potential for learning or transfer
The Outcomes Star has been widely adopted by various organisations and NGOs, as it includes different stars tailored to categories such as migrants, disabled individuals, and the homeless. While most assessment tools measure the severity of a service user's situation, the tool measures and supports change. It is a person-centred, evidence-based collaborative tool that provides clear evidence of personal progress for both the worker and the service user.
Jobsplus trainer has provided Outcomes Star training to numerous local public entities and NGOs across different sectors. Through an exclusive agreement with Triangle Social Enterprise Ltd, Jobsplus has been able to introduce and offer Outcomes Star training to local entities working with vulnerable groups. This has enhanced the service's effectiveness by promoting greater consistency and standardisation among stakeholders using the same tool, thereby offering young jobseekers a more harmonised service.