Dissemination and exploitation of results

A good quality dissemination and exploitation plan should include:

• • measurable and realistic objectives,

• a detailed timetable,
• a resource plan for the activities to take place,
• suitable target groups (e.g. volunteers & their organisations, volunteer centres, education & training providers)

Dissemination and exploitation goals may be to:

• raise awareness,
• extend the impact,
• engage stakeholders and target groups,
• share solutions and know how,
• influence policy and practice,
• develop new partnerships.

Participating organisations should:

• discuss the aims & objectives of the dissemination and exploitation activities/plan,
• decide on the best activities and approaches,
• share the tasks among partners taking into account the particular specifics of the project and the profiles of each partner,
• agree on realistic targets and deadlines with partners to monitor progress,
• offer sufficient flexibility to respond to the needs of the target group as well as wider developments in policy and practice,
• Include the use of existing communication channels and networks in the plan.

What are project outcomes?

Projects involving volunteers or run by volunteers may have very diverse results. A distinction between tangible and intangible outcomes can be made.

Tangible results are concrete outputs and may include for example:

• an approach or a model to solve a problem,
• a practical tool or product, such as handbooks, curricula, e-learning tools,
• research reports or studies,
• good practice guides or case studies,
• evaluation reports,
• recognition and validation certificates,
• newsletters or information leaflets.

Intangible results may refer to new skills, competences,  experiences and may include for example:

• knowledge and experience gained by volunteers and beneficiaries, learners or staff,
• increased skills or achievements,
• improved cultural awareness,
• better language skills.

Intangible results are more difficult to measure. The use of interviews, questionnaires, tests, observations or self-assessment mechanisms may help to record them.

NB:  The type and intensity of dissemination and exploitation activities should be proportional and adapted to particular needs and the type of project. Dissemination and exploitation activities can create new opportunities to extend the project and its results or develop new partnerships for the future, may lead to external recognition of the work carried out, and enable and inspire others to benefit from the activities and experiences of the European Programmes.

Dissemination and exploitation of project results can help to inform future policy and practice. The aims and objectives of the dissemination and exploitation plan should link to the project aims to ensure that the methods and approaches used are appropriate for the project and its results, as well as for the identified target audiences (see next section ).