Social Impact for the voluntary and community sectors The Outward Bound Trust’s experience of measuring impact Emma Ferris Head of Impact Evaluation

Our key decisions 1.To use an independent questionnaire (despite one within Outward Bound being available) 2.To take measurement away from our centres and conduct it in schools instead 3.To invest in our own capacity to measure and communicate outcomes

The challenges 1.Short-term measurement versus medium / long-term measurement 2.Developing a common language across The Outward Bound Trust 3.Using results to improve the quality of our work

The benefits 1.Greater confidence and focus in staff 2.Improved relationships with teachers and schools 3.Awareness & profile raising

Significant increase in self-esteem Significant increase in resilience Significant increase in emotional well-being 93% of pupils have better relationships with others 90% have a better understanding of others’ needs

Some results

How we’ve used the results Two Social Impact Reports To underpin communications to donors Feeding back internally

Emma Ferris Head of Impact Evaluation