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FAQ

Check our frequently asked questions about the Outcomes Star.

General

  • What is Outcomes Star?

    We are an employee-owned social enterprise based in the UK, who have been providing Outcomes Star tools, training, software and support to organisations delivering support services to individuals since 2006.

    Outcomes Stars are relational, person-centred assessment and outcomes measurement tools that make change visible. They are a structured way to have meaningful conversations with people about what’s going well and what needs to change.

    They guide the practice of change by being used as part of everyday support conversations and completed collaboratively between practitioner and the person being supported.

    There are over 50+ evidence-based and validated versions of the Star available within our dedicated and secure web app, Outcomes Star Online. Each version applies a holistic framework of outcome areas to a 5-stage Journey of Change – breaking down sustainable, meaningful change into a scale of recognisable steps.

    Outcomes Star helps everyone involved in support services reflect and learn – whether in the support relationship between someone being supported and the person supporting them; through to commissioners, funders and policy makers; Outcomes Star makes change visible, understood and possible.

  • What is the Journey of Change?

    Each Outcomes Star version has multiple scales, where a generalised outcome area (such as “How I Feel” or “Communication”) is applied to a 5-stage model of change we call the Journey of Change.

    The Journey of Change is the Outcomes Star way of describing how people move through change over time. It recognises that progress is not linear and that different kinds of support are helpful at different stages.

    There are different types of Journeys across the Star. A typical Journey of Change starts with not yet recognising a problem, moves through becoming aware and starting to engage, then into actively working on or being supported with change, and finally towards greater independence and self reliance.

    By understanding where someone is on their Journey of Change, services can tailor support more effectively, people can better recognise and value the progress they are making and services can learn more about the work they are doing.

  • Can we change some of the points on a Star or make our own Outcomes Star?

    No. Outcomes Star®, all Star versions, the Journey of Change and all associated materials are the intellectual property of Triangle Consulting Social Enterprise Ltd (trading as Outcomes Star).

    Before publication, each version of the Star is extensively researched and piloted, and put through psychometric validation tests, and therefore cannot be adapted or modified in any way without damaging the fidelity and validity of the tool.

    Stars are made available under licence and these specify what organisations can and can’t do under those licences.

    We are more than happy to chat through how Star versions can be mapped to the specific needs of your services, help you develop supporting resources, or explore Star development – just contact us.

  • Can we translate an Outcomes Star into another language?

    No. Outcomes Star®, all Star versions, the Journey of Change and all associated materials are the intellectual property of Triangle Consulting Social Enterprise Ltd (trading as Outcomes Star).

    Only Outcomes Star can translate a Star. We have translated many Star versions into many languages already, contact us to find out if we already have what you need.

    If a translated version is not already available, we do commit to funding a small number of translations each year. Alternatively, we may need to ask for costs of professional translation and design to be covered by client organisations.

  • We are not based in the UK or Republic of Ireland, can we use Outcomes Star?

    Outcomes Stars are growing in popularity across the world. We have several partner organisations outside of the UK who provide Outcomes Star licences, training and support.

    Where we do not have a partner organisation yet, we support clients directly from the UK with the help of a network of international Associate Outcomes Star Training and Implementation Specialists. 

    See our international page for more information.

  • How can I keep in touch with Outcomes Star news?

    You can:

  • Who is Triangle or Triangle Consulting Social Enterprise Ltd?

    Triangle Consulting Social Enterprise Ltd is our registered company name. 

    Triangle was constituted in 2009, a few years after the publication of the first Outcomes Star (2006). In 2023, after our transition to Employee Ownership, we started trading solely under the name Outcomes Star, but we kept our official registered name for legal purposes. 

    We are an Employee-Owned Social Enterprise that is innovative, mission-led and exists to help people reach their highest potential and live meaningful and fulfilling lives. See our about us page for more information.

Using Outcomes Star

  • Is there a Star that will work for my service?

    If your service is triage only, focused on information and advice, drop-in, very short term or only supporting people with one specific aspect of their life, then the Star may not be a good fit.

    If your service is supporting people over time in a holistic, whole-life way, then it is likely one or more of our 50+ Star versions will work for you.

    Our Which Star article will help you explore the Stars available, or you can look through the full list of available Stars here: Meet the Stars. 

    You can also contact us for a no-obligation chat to talk through the aims of your service and the people you support, and we can help advise the best fit for you.

  • Can we use more than one version of the Star?

    We recommend that only one Star version should be in use at one time with a person receiving support.

    However, across a service or organisation, licensed organisations can use any of the published Star versions at no extra cost. All published versions are available under one account and licence fee, and no additional training is required (although it is recommended).

    Using multiple Stars across an organisation can be particularly valuable for organisations with a range of services that support adults and children with different needs and in different situations.

    Although each Star is different, they use the same underlying methodology, helping practitioners ‘speak the same language’ and aligning outcomes and impact reporting.

  • How often do Stars need to be completed – are there fixed timeframes?

    There are no fixed timeframes for using the Star. It depends on the frequency of your contact with the people you support and the type of change your service is aiming for.

    Generally, we recommend that at least 6 weeks are allowed in between Star completions. However more intensive programmes may be able to review them more quickly than that.

    Licensed organisations receive support from us to develop their own guidance for Star completion timing, so that Star practice can be embedded within services effectively. 

  • Can Outcomes Stars be used as part of a multi-disciplinary approach?

    Yes, as a person-centred approach, Outcomes Stars can be a really useful addition to multi-agency conversations.

    However, it essential that all practitioners actually using the Star with people trained and licenced to use the Star.

    It will not replace risk assessments, but it does enable the individual being supported to share where they are in their journey of change, and alerts professionals to what types of interventions a person may benefit from at this time in their life. Talk to us about how Stars are used to improve communication and support across consortiums, shared contracts and multi-disciplinary teams.

  • Can Outcomes Stars be used over the phone or video call?

    Although the Stars are primarily designed to be used face to face, together with the person being supported, in real life, they can be adapted for a variety of methods.

    We are working on more detailed guidance but for more information in the meantime, please contact us.

  • Are the Stars available in other languages?

    Some Star versions have been translated into other languages, contact us with the versions and languages you need and if they exist you can use the resources at no extra cost and under your existing licences.

    If a translated version is not already available, we do commit to funding a small number of translations each year. Alternatively, we may need to ask for costs of professional translation and design to be covered by client organisations.

    Please note that only Outcomes Star can translate a Star as Outcomes Star®, all Star versions, the Journey of Change and all associated materials are the intellectual property of Triangle Consulting Social Enterprise Ltd (trading as Outcomes Star).

  • What can we do with Outcomes Star data?

    Outcomes Stars make change visible, in a way that is easy to understand. Star data can be shared with and support learning with all sorts of stakeholders, from individuals being supported, to practitioners and managers, to commissioners, funders, trustees and policy makers.

    Some of the most valuable questions you can ask of your Star data start with the people you support, where is progress happening or not happening, across outcome areas and Journey of Change stages, and why is that?

    Outcomes Star Online includes easy-to-use, ready-made and configurable reports that help you explore these questions, and our team of specialists can help you understand and learn from your data. Contact us for more information.

  • Do we get any support with implementing and using Outcomes Star?

    Yes, at no extra cost to your account, licences and training, we are here to help every organisation we work with to get the most out of Outcomes Star.

    You will be assigned a Training and Implementation Specialist. They will support you with choosing the right Star(s), guidance on implementation and training, and will provide ongoing support once you are up and running.

    We also have a dedicated Support Desk for OS Online queries and more, who can be contacted on [email protected]. They are available Monday to Friday 9-5 UK time. 

    We also have regular webinars, and exclusive events and content for our licensed community, more on that soon!

    If you have any concerns that the Star is not being embedded as you planned, please get in touch with us, our specialists are here to offer advice, resources and guidance.

Pricing & Licences

  • How much does it cost to use Outcomes Star?

    There are 3 costs to consider:

    1. Account (one per organisation, per year, includes Account Lead login for OS Online)
    2. Licences (one per practitioner, per year, includes login for OS Online)
    3. Training (per practitioner, first year / one-off only)

    To work out costs for your service, start by identifying how many practitioners you will have completing Stars with the people they support, and anyone else who may need a login for OS Online.

    Remember that you already get 1 login for your Account Lead (an Account Lead can also be a practitioner).

    Then have a look at our pricing page for more in formation, or contact us for an informal quote. 

    Costs are not linked to the number of people your service is supporting, or how many records you create or Stars you complete. 

  • I want to include the Star in a funding bid, what do I need to include?

    Many funders now expect bids to show how projects will deliver measurable positive impact. Including Outcomes Star in your bid shows funders that you have a validated and recognised way to track changes in key outcome areas, and to evidence real, person-level outcomes (rather than just output and volume of support).

    It also shows a commitment to person-centred, trauma-informed relational practice, grounded in lived experience.

    For a funding bid, you’ll need to include 3 costs:

    1. Account (one per organisation, per year – includes Account Lead login for OS Online)
    2. Licences (one per practitioner, per year – includes login for OS Online)
    3. Training (per practitioner, first year / one-off only)

    To work out costs for your service, start by identifying how many practitioners may be completing Stars with the people they support, and anyone else who may need a login for OS Online.

    Remember that you already get 1 login for your Account Lead (an Account Lead can also be a practitioner).

    Then have a look at our pricing page for more information or contact us for an in formal quote.

  • Can I transfer a licence from one person to another?

    Yes, licenses are transferable and can be allocated from one user to another.  

    Before transferring the licence, the new practitioner must have completed Outcomes Star Training to ensure they complete Stars consistently and in line with best practice. 

  • Can we share licences/logins between people?

    No this isn’t allowed under the licence. It is also not best practice for data security, accuracy and GDPR in OS Online, because you cannot accurately record who completed a Star with someone being supported. Each practitioner needs a licence assigned to unique email address for their OS Online login.  

  • Can I add more licences to my account?

    Yes, you can add more licences at any time. Contact us on [email protected] or via your Specialist.  

    The cost of additional licences will be the cost will be adjusted based on how much of your annual licence term is left.

    Please note, anyone using Outcomes Star with people being supported will need both a licence and to have completed Outcomes Star Training to ensure they complete Stars consistently and in line with best practice. 

  • Can I reduce the number of licences for my account?

    You can only reduce your licences when your account is up for renewal. You’ll receive a renewal email before your renewal is due, or you can contact us at any time. We’ll work with you to ensure that the number of active users in OS Online matches your new licence total. (You may have to deactivate users and allocate engagements to new Lead Practitioners.)

  • Why does it cost what it costs?

    Our account, licenses and training costs allow us to provide flexible implementation support to licensed organisations, and to maintain and continually invest in the Stars, Outcomes Star Online and our overall social mission as a social enterprise.

    Training is mandatory because Outcomes Stars are much more than just a form. Training supports consistent, person-centered and relational use in line with best practice.

Training

  • How can I book training?

    We offer a variety of training solutions, depending on the number of practitioners that need training at a time. For larger implementations of more than 30 practitioners, we recommend the Licensed Trainer route.

    See the full range of solutions here:

    Contact us to discuss the right option for you. Please note, for training to be booked you will need to know which Star version/s you will be using and you will need to complete a booking form with a postal address for printed materials (which need to arrive with you before the training date).

  • When is the next Open Outcomes Star Training course?

    You can see upcoming dates on our Training page.

    Organisations can send up to 3 practitioners to one Open course. If you have 4+ practitioners to be trained, we can deliver a dedicated in-house course instead.

    Please note, we often sell out of Open places in advance; please contact us to confirm availability as early as you can.

  • I completed Outcomes Star Training at another organisation already, do I need to complete the training again?

    We take a case-by-case approach to this question, as it will depend on a number of factors. Contact us to discuss. 

  • Can we book refresher training?

    Yes, we do half day and full day options bespoke to your needs. Prices vary depending on number of people on the course and length. Contact us to discuss.

  • Can I become a Licensed Trainer and sell Outcomes Star Training myself?

    No. Licensed Trainers can only provide Outcomes Star training within their own organisations, unless under a bespoke agreement with us.

    Only our own training team, our international partners or our Licensed Trainer community can provide Outcomes Star training.

Outcomes Star Online

  • What is Outcomes Star (OS) Online?

    It is a secure, compliant and easy-to-use web application that allows you to access Outcomes Star resources and guidance, record Star and service user information, and report outcomes.

    It has been designed for support services using any of the published Star versions, with unique features to support best Star practice.

    You don’t need to download any software to use it. You just need to be able to access the internet via a computer, tablet or mobile, and have browser compatibility with the latest supported versions of Chrome, Edge or Safari.

    See more information and a short overview video available on our OS Online page. 

  • Is OS Online secure?

    OS Online is GDPR-compliant and has robust security measures in place to protect and process sensitive data responsibly. 

    OS Online also complies with the UK’s NHS Digital Technology Assessment Criteria (DTAC) including Clinical Safety Management, and is managed by our technology partners, QES, who are ISO271007 and ISO9001 accredited. 

    QES and Outcomes Star are both certified under Cyber Essentials Plus. 

    You can find full details of our information governance in our Privacy Policy page.

  • Where does OS Online store data?

    Outcomes Star Online is hosted in the UK (data centers based in South and South West). Sensitive service user data entered by the Data Controller (client organisation) is processed within the UK within the OS Online database and is not transferred outside of the UK.

    Client practitioner / staff email addresses (personal but not sensitive data) are shared within Outcomes Star internal, secure platforms – Salesforce and Zoho. These platforms are hosted in the EU, which has full adequacy from the UK and ICO (meaning SCCs/IDTAs are not required).

    You can find full details of our information governance in our Privacy Policy page.

  • We already have a Case Management System and I don’t want to use more software, do I have to use OS Online?

    Our Account and Licences include logins for OS Online, and we have multiple ways OS Online can be integrated with your existing software.

    Our API integration allows OS Online to a ‘bolt on’ to your existing software, and if enabled with Single Sign On, can provide a seamless, ‘all in one’ experience for practitioners and for data and reporting. See our OS Online page for more information.

    If that option doesn’t work, we may grant permission for you to reproduce Outcomes Star intellectual property in your software directly. Please note, you will need an additional annual licence for this. Contact us for more information.

    We also have existing relationships with a limited number of software providers who have built Outcomes Star functionality in already. Contact us for more information.

  • I use OS Online, how can I get help?

    Outcomes Star provide a UK-based Helpdesk service during UK office hours, contact us on [email protected]. 

  • What is an Account Lead?

    This is someone in your organisation (or in the organisation leading on the implementation of the Outcomes Star) who manages your organisation’s OS Online account. They are responsible for managing settings on the account, including which versions of the Star people have access to and which Options are enabled, as well as adding new users (staff) and removing leavers. 

    They should be the first point of contact in your organisation for any questions about OS Online.

    They also have access to all data entered into your OS Online account, so they need to be aware of their responsibilities for Data Controller, the client organisation. 

    You specify who the Account Lead when you first set up your account (as part of accepting your Quote) but you can change them at any time. You can also assign users as Assistant Account Leads (please note there are additional costs to enable that feature, see pricing for more information.) 

  • How can I find out who my Account Lead is?

    Login to OS Online and click on your profile in the top right-hand corner of the screen.

    Select Contact my Account Lead and their details will be displayed on screen. 

    If you hit any issues, contact us.

  • Can I have more than one Account Lead?

    Yes, you can also assign multiple users as Assistant Account Leads. This is a useful feature for larger accounts, to share out Account Lead responsibilities.

    Please note there are additional costs to enable that feature, see pricing for more information.

Evidence and Validity

  • Are Outcomes Stars evidence-based and validated?

    Yes. Each Outcomes Star goes through a lengthy process of research, development, piloting, psychometric testing, refinement and production. More information about the Star development process can be found on our How Stars are Made page.

    The research and evidence-base behind Outcomes Star continues to grow. You can find work published by us, by client organisations, and by researchers and others in our comprehensive Research page.

    Please contact us with any specific questions.

  • I am a researcher, can I use Outcomes Star in my study?

    This may be possible but it is important to note that Outcomes Star is designed to be embedded within support services and not just as a data-capturing or measurement tool. It is not designed to be used by anyone other than the practitioner delivering support to individuals.

    We recommend you contact us as early as possible in your thinking, for a conversation with Dr Anna Good, our Evidence and Validity Lead and experienced behaviour change research analyst.