How we measure performance and outcomes

Submitting client and outcomes data for Supporting People

Services funded by Supporting People must submit client data. 

This is done through:

  • SHARP system – for client placement information
  • Outcomes system – for reporting client progress

Client placements

All Supporting People services must submit client placement details in the SHARP system. This information helps measure service performance.

How do I submit client placements?

Log into the SHARP system for step-by-step guidance.

If you need a SHARP account:

email supportingpeoplebusinessimprovement@nihe.gov.uk 

How we use performance data

We use this data to manage contracts and help plan future services.

Reporting on Outcomes

Providers must collect and submit outcome data through the Outcomes system. If you have an f5 account, go to your resource screen and click the Outcomes system button.

What are Outcomes?

Introduced in April 2018, the Outcomes system tracks how clients benefit from services. Providers report on key outcomes linked to government goals.

You can view the full Outcomes Framework here:

Outcomes framework (PDF 186 kB)

For more details, read the Outcomes Guidance document:

Outcomes guidance document (PDF 3.6 MB)

How often do I submit Outcomes data?

  • short-term services – report quarterly
  • long-term services – report annually

How do I log into Outcomes?

Read the:

Quick start guide (PDF 93 kB)

Or watch the video below:


Logging in with Microsoft Edge

Click "More choices".

Select "Use a different account".

Enter: NIHE\username and your f5 password.

Screen grab showing the log in on Microsoft Edge.

How do I submit Outcomes data?

Read the Outcomes system user guide:

Outcomes system user guide (PDF 1.5 MB)

Or watch the video tutorial below.


Outcomes Framework FAQ

No. You only report on measures that apply to your service. The system will show only the relevant indicators for your service.

If a client does not need or refuses support for a specific measure, you do not need to record them under that measure. Only report outcomes for clients you have actively supported.

Short-term services
Provide support for up to 2 years.

Long-term services
Support clients for more than 2 years.

Clients in short-term services may leave before 2 years.

No short-term service should go beyond 2 years unless there is a valid reason.

Usually, no. However, some client groups may have specific needs where this applies.

Outcomes should not be reported twice within the same support period

If needed, use the comments box to explain.

Short-term service
Report quarterly on clients who have left during that period. Do not report clients still receiving support.

Long-term services
Report annually on all clients (both current and those who have left since your last report).

Yes. Supporting People (SP) contract teams may review outcomes during regular monitoring.

Keep all outcome records in client files in case SP officers request them during visits or meetings.

No. Many providers already have their own systems, so SP does not plan to introduce another one.

Providers have shared that they are comfortable using their current methods. Good practice examples may be shared between providers.

No. You only report outcomes for clients who received support.

However, self-funding clients must also be included in outcome reporting.

Short-term services
Report the outcome only in the quarter it was completed
If a client leaves before completing an outcome, do not report it, as the result is unknown.

Long-term services
If an outcome spans a financial year (e.g., starts in February 2025 and finishes in May 2025), report it in March 2026.

Yes. Report all clients who completed an outcome, whether the move was planned or unplanned. 

Only report clients who completed specific outcomes, whether achieved or not.

Yes. There is a comments section at the bottom of the Outcomes System submission page.

Use this to provide any key details about your outcome data.

Outcomes System FAQ

To request an account:

A team member will send you a new user template to complete.

Once you return the form, they will create your Outcomes system account and ask ITASSIST to set up your F5 account.

ITASSIST will email you your F5 login details and instructions.

After that, a team member will email you your SPOCC.net login details and confirm your access to the Outcomes system.

Important:
Do not contact ITASSIST directly, as NIHE approval is needed before creating an account.

If you forget your F5 login, contact ITASSIST for help, on:

tel: 0300 1234 155

Yes. The Outcomes Frontend is only for submitting outcome measurements. 

You will still use SPOCC.net for other tasks.

Short-term services
Report only on clients who have left during that quarter.

Long-term services
Report annually on all clients (both current and those who have left).

If a client leaves and returns, include them each time they leave.

You can use the comments box to explain any increases in reported numbers.

There should be one Outcomes submission per service.
 
If multiple co-ordinators manage a service, they must submit a joint report.

For more details:

email: Supporting.People@NIHE.GOV.UK


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