ABSTRACT
This chapter contrasts the performance measurement expectations of third sector funding bodies, and the perceived appropriateness of these measures to the values and goals of the third sector organization itself. It considers what forms of parallel performance reporting support and is compatible with audit-based approaches. The chapter considers anecdotal performance to be generally more sympathetic to, and reflecting of, a voluntary organizations values, goals and achievements. The potential for voluntary organizations to collect and produce a portfolio of anecdotal evidence, which can be provided alongside other reported performance metrics, may be worthy of further consideration. There is clear circumstantial evidence that philanthropic funding bodies appear to be more flexible in the nature of performance reporting, to the extent of receiving anecdotal evidence in the form of newspaper clippings and visits to see programmes in action. The chapter defines which types of measure would be more empathetic to the values, goals and achievements of a voluntary sector organization.
