CCA Explainer

CCA explainer

Graphic icon of trees, houses, city skyline and runner

large_CCA places-01.jpg

medium_CCA places-01.jpg

small_CCA places-01.jpg

thumbnail_CCA places-01.jpg

CCA places-01.jpg

As part of the NELP evaluation of Place-based systemic approaches to physical activity inequalities, we are using 

Configurational Comparative Analysis (CCA)

This is a research and evaluation method that integrates both qualitative and quantitative data to compare patterns across case-studies and identify which conditions, or combinations of conditions, lead to a desired outcome. These patterns are then investigated alongside participating Place to explore and understand why they might be important.

Please see the attached descriptor to the right for a detailed description of the CCA process we follow at NELP.

For a more detailed description of the system maturity conditions used in this analysis, please see the Whole Systems Approach section of the site here. 


As part of the NELP evaluation of Place-based systemic approaches to physical activity inequalities, we are using Configurational Comparative Analysis (CCA).  This is a research and evaluation method that integrates both qualitative and quantitative data to compare patterns across case-studies and identify which conditions, or combinations of conditions, lead to a desired outcome, and to explore why this might be.  Please see the CCA introduction document below for further information about configurational comparative analysis.

NELP and Sport England are asking Place partnerships to indicate whether they will be taking part in the 2025 round of Configurational Comparative analysis evaluation by 5th September.  Sport England expects all Places in receipt of Full or Deepening funding to participate, but for Places in receipt of a Development award, participation is optional.  This year we have separated the SMM survey from the Resources Survey (Part One questions in last year’s survey – see separate guidance note).  NELP will use responses to both of these surveys, together with other data collected, for Configurational Comparative Analysis.  The survey responses will be collected via unique online links for each Place Partnership, to be circulated around the beginning of September, with a deadline for responses usually around the middle of October.

Please see guidance for responding to the survey, linked below.  This should be used along with the System Maturity Matrix and guidance, [more SMM information can be found on our website here](https://www.evaluatingcomplexity.org/resources/system-maturity-matrix-2025).  

[**Introduction to CCA**](https://res.cloudinary.com/dzhwmblon/image/upload/v1705318347/CCA_explainer_Dec23_34691be38f.pdf)
[**CCA Resources survey - Participation information sheet**](https://res.cloudinary.com/dkpttoydv/image/upload/v1757428472/Participant_Information_Sheet_CCA_Resources_survey_NELP_September_2025_0d87499384.pdf)
[**CCA Resources Survey guidance 2025**](https://res.cloudinary.com/dkpttoydv/image/upload/v1757517917/CCA_Resources_Survey_2025_guidance_f91777e24c.pdf)
[**NELP CCA Data Collection process overview with video**](https://res.cloudinary.com/dkpttoydv/video/upload/v1758118828/NELP_CCA_Data_Collection_671f07fee9.mp4)
[**CCA Moderation Meetings Participant Information**](https://res.cloudinary.com/dkpttoydv/image/upload/v1759856289/CCA_Moderation_meetings_Participant_Information_Sheet_Oct_2025_130d5b67e2.pdf)


**Learning Seminars**
In addition to the above information please also find links to our 2025 Summer Learning Seminar series, where we share some of the findings of the 2024 CCA evaluation work, including recordings and slide packs:

[**NELP Learning seminar summer series July 25: Collaborative practice within and across sectors recording**](https://youtu.be/TNiJSusqTSs?si=njHNvrwqARxu1A8c)
[**CCA findings - Collaborative practice slide pack**](https://res.cloudinary.com/dkpttoydv/image/upload/v1755792784/CCA_findings_Collaborative_practice_workshop_99c257d7c3.pdf)

[**NELP Learning seminar summer series Aug 25: Supported community-led initiatives recording**](https://youtu.be/ymYCcBBbK1E?si=ipOE6X0lgc02UOdb)
[**CCA Findings - Supported community-led initiatives slide pack**](https://res.cloudinary.com/dkpttoydv/image/upload/v1755792785/CCA_findings_Supported_Community_led_initiatives_for_sharing_d9d5aa8768.pdf)

[**NELP Learning seminar summer series Aug 25: Inclusive cultures for PA in communities recording**](https://youtu.be/FWPxVKoqYo0)
[**CCA Findings - Inclusive cultures for PA in communities slide pack**](https://res.cloudinary.com/dkpttoydv/image/upload/v1757402494/CCA_findings_Inclusive_Cultures_for_PA_in_communities_e88a8c13ca.pdf)

[**NELP Learning seminar summer series Sept 25: Connecting pathways to impact recording**](https://youtu.be/j3aesygb2pI)
[**CCA Findings - Connecting pathways to impact slide pack**](https://res.cloudinary.com/dkpttoydv/image/upload/v1758007966/CCA_findings_Connecting_Pathways_to_Impact_030925_final_0ca5a6354e.pdf)