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
93% of pupils have
better relationships with
others
90% have a better
understanding of others’
needs
Significant increase in
self-esteem
Significant increase in
resilience
Significant increase in
emotional well-being
Some results
Before Outward Bound
58%
Self-esteem
67%
After Outward Bound
56%
Emotional Health
61%
60%
Resilience
67%
63%
Family relationships
65%
48%
Life Satisfaction
62%
0%
20%
40%
60%
Base: 691 paired
records
80%
Well-being scores relative to all young people in the UK
100%
"After Outward Bound"
results displayed at 95%
confidence level
How we’ve used the results
• Two Social Impact Reports
• To underpin communications to donors
• Feeding back internally
Emma Ferris
Head of Impact Evaluation
emma.ferris@outwardbound.org.uk
07841 673478