Outcomes of the ESDinds project

The impact of the ESDinds Project has far exceeded expectations. Beyond the ‘proof of concept’ that was initially envisaged, the following outcomes have been achieved:

A set of localizable values-based indicators with broad practical utility. The final outcome of the project is a set of 166 indicators applicable to many different ethical/spiritual values, such as integrity, justice, empowerment, respect and care for the community of life. These are indicators of `shared values in use’. The wording can be modified to tailor them to specific local contexts. See Resources section for more detail

Feedback from over 40 CSOs illustrates that the indicators are relevant, important, measurable, valid and easy to use in a wide variety of different settings

The We Value identity was developed during the project in order to create a more friendly face for the project's outcomes. This includes a visual identity for the values-based indicators and an open-access web platform, including a community of practice and an interactive online toolkit.

New understandings of values in discourse and action. We will be publishing working papers on this website, in the meantime visit the Publications section for more on this topic.

An innovative methodology for indicator design, integrating top-down and bottom-up approaches, with important implications for assessment and evaluation in fields such as sustainability, health, education and community development

Transforming policy and practice in real organisations. Several CSOs have already incorporated values-based indicators into monitoring and evaluation systems. Using values-based indicators can also catalyse significant and sustainable organisational change. People working as a group within a specific practical context can use the indicators to help them build new, shared understandings of values.

Towards a new community of practice at the interface between Indicators, Sustainability and Values. An international conference was held in Brighton in 2010 and a follow-up event is expected to take place early in 2013 at Fudan University, Shanghai.