Summary of REM stages38
| REM stages | Description |
| 1. Introduction to REM | The facilitator gave a brief presentation to introduce the REM method. This included background to the method, the limitations of traditional evaluation methods and an outline of the approach used in the REM workshops. Not required in follow-up workshops. Time recommended: 10–15 min |
| 2. Peer/team-based discussions | Participants split into pairs or small project groups and had conversations about the work they are involved in, what they are proud of, what has gone well within their work, and what has been challenging. These discussions were guided by principles from Appreciative Inquiry.38 63 Conversations served as a warm-up to the main activity. Time recommended: 10–20 min |
| 3. Mapping the impacts | Each project group was provided with a large piece of paper that had a timeline placed longitudinally across it. The timeline spanned from the beginning of WCM (April 2018) to the present time (December 2019). Participants were asked to think about the main activities or actions that were carried out throughout this timeframe, and to write these onto the map at the time which they occurred. They were then asked to map out the impacts associated with the respective activities. Arrows were draw between activities and impacts to denote the relationship. Participants were encouraged then to map any additional ‘ripples’ that manifest following this activity and\or impact. The facilitator assisted groups where needed. During this time, groups were able to work on REM outputs associated with two to three projects/areas of work. Time recommended: 60–90 min. |
| 4. Reflecting on the impacts | Part way through the previous stage, the facilitator asked participants to consider additional questions when mapping. These included: (1) identifying intended and unintended impacts, (2) stating which organisations/stakeholders/groups were involved or affected, (3) financial implications, (4) what else may have contributed to impacts occurring, and (5) how these activities/impacts link with wider WCM work. Recurring trends may also have been apparent in their outputs. When organisations/stakeholders/groups were identified, these provided the evaluation team with potential interview participants. Time recommended: Concurrent to stage 3. |
| 5. Most and least significant changes | Once most of the actions, activities and impacts are mapped out, the facilitator then asked the groups to identify what they considered to be the most-significant and least-significant changes in their output. Groups had time to discuss what may have contributed to these changes occurring as they did, and whether in retrospect, they would do anything differently. Data were not recorded for evaluative purposes at this stage. Time recommended: 10 min |
| 6. Group feedback and learning | The final part of the workshop provided time for participants to feedback to the group the main aspects of their work that was mapped, what their reflections on the map were, and what they had learnt from the REM process. The facilitator guided this discussion. Time recommended: Remaining time. |
REM, ripple effects mapping; WCM, We Can Move.