Community climate action hubs theory of change

Purpose of the Theory of Change

A ToC provides a structured narrative explaining how a programme, initiative or intervention is expected to achieve its intended outcomes. It logically maps the elements of a programme, outlining the activities undertaken, the outputs and outcomes anticipated, and the underlying assumptions connecting them.

Specifically, the Climate Action Hubs ToC describes pathways between the following elements:

The types of actions (and resources required for these) which the Hubs are carrying out and will lead to their deliverables being achieved.

The short-medium term deliverables, or things that will be achieved, if activities are successfully delivered.

The difference the Hub is making locally in the short to medium term.

Medium to longer term impacts which will result in changes at a national, or broader regional, level across Scotland as the Hub network works towards shared Hub-level outcomes.

The long term goal for the Hub programme. This is that:

• ‘A network of climate action Hubs will provide a vehicle for communities to come together and engage in collective climate action, supporting the just transition to net zero and climate resilient living, and driving wider change’

The ultimate aim of the theory of change is to set out how the individual Hubs, who operate different models, fit together at a programme level. It maps the intended impacts and vision for the Hub programme to the inputs and activities that the Hubs are carrying out. The ToC will guide the monitoring and evaluation of the Climate Hubs. Monitoring data will provide evidence of whether outputs are being achieved. Evaluation of the programme will be focused on the achievement of the outcomes and ways these are being achieved through the activities and outputs.