Measuring impact

We believe in an outcomes approach which focuses everyone - service users, service providers and commissioners - on positive change. This means shifting the focus from the services being delivered to the change that happens in the lives of the people we work with.

We have developed our holistic way of measuring outcomes. People who are successful at turning away from offending often need to make changes to the way they think and behave. We call this ‘internal change’.

The outcomes we measure include the ‘practical’ pathways (such as accommodation, education, employment, and physical and mental health), but also ‘softer’ outcomes such as changes in attitude, thinking and behaviour, self confidence, and self-image and esteem.

Society may and does value ‘soft skills’ such as attitudes, behaviour, and interpersonal skills.  Demonstrating progress and distance travelled may indicate changes related to ‘soft outcomes’ (self-esteem and confidence, desire to change); as well as to ‘harder outcomes’ (improved family relationships and job readiness).

Our model covers the key emotional and behavioural changes people may need to make for them to change their lives.

• Responsibility - I think about the results of my actions.
• Support - There are people I can turn to when I have a problem.
• Confidence - I feel confident in myself.
• Hope - I feel hopeful about my future.
• Self-esteem - I feel good about myself.
• Make Decisions - I feel able to make my own decisions.
• Resilience - I am good at making it through stressful times.
• Motivation - I am really working hard to change my life.
• Use of time - I am making good use of my free time by doing more constructive things.