Measuring Impact Tool

Why Measure Impact?

Measuring the impact of Supported Internships (SIs) is essential to demonstrate their value, sustainability, and the life-changing difference they make to young people. By using both qualitative (based on opinions and experiences) and quantitative (based on numbers) methods, local authorities can effectively showcase their success.

"The Internships Work programme has some amazing success stories about young people gaining lifelong skills and increased confidence, with many moving into employment. We wanted to develop a way of demonstrating the impact of supported internships on young people’s lives. Too often, we rely on outputs such as numbers accessing programmes, attendance, and training undertaken, and we struggle to report the real value of this work. To reflect the life-changing difference that supported internships can make in the lives of young people, we need to measure outcomes and impact." – Jess Haslam, NDTi Associate

Impact Measurement Approaches

Jess Haslam, working with local authorities in West Yorkshire and Humberside, has shared three approaches that offer a simple, effective way to measure the impact of SIs retrospectively:

1. Post-Programme Review
   • After the internship ends, feedback is gathered from everyone involved.
   • A score is given based on four key areas of work readiness.
   • This provides a clear, quantitative measure of overall success.
     
2. Goal-Based Outcomes
   • Young people set specific goals at the start of the programme.
   • Progress towards these goals is reviewed regularly.
   • This method highlights individual growth and achievement.
     
3. Visual Impact Summaries
   • A one-page visual summary highlights the impact in a concise and powerful way.
   • These summaries are great for sharing success stories and good news.

Find more guidance with Jess' Impact Measurement Guidance Notes here.

We are grateful to the work of Kirklees and Wakefield Local Authorities, who have developed and tested these approaches with NDTi.

How These Tools Help Local Authorities

Using these tools allows local authorities to:

• Better understand the outcomes of their programmes.
• Showcase the real difference SIs make to young people’s lives.
• Provide compelling evidence to stakeholders about the value of Supported Internships.

Video: Measuring Impact Tool

Jess Haslam, an NDTi Associate working with West Yorkshire and Humberside Region, shares three approaches to measuring impact for the supported internship programme.

You can download the slides from this video here.

Video: Piloting SI Impact Measurement Tool

Siraj Mayet, the HR partner at Kirklees Council, has shared his experience piloting the impact measurement tool for supported internships.

Siraj explains the reasons for getting involved with this piece of work. Defining work readiness was a collaborative effort with Jess, focusing on four core areas: confidence, communication skills, using initiative, and team working.

The tool was road-tested over the summer by the on-site team, including a schools tutor and business liaison person. Feedback indicated that the tool was helpful in assessing interns' work readiness and provided a positive reflective process for the team. It allowed the team to celebrate achievements and learn from the experience, highlighting the human impact of the programme.

You can download the slides from this video here.

How to Get Started

The approaches can be adapted to suit your local authority’s needs.

• Gather feedback from interns, families, and employers.
• Set measurable goals at the outset and track progress.
• Create visual summaries to share success stories with your community and stakeholders.

These methods ensure the life-changing benefits of Supported Internships are not only felt but also seen and celebrated.

Join the Movement

Local authorities like Kirklees and Wakefield have shown what’s possible by embracing these measurement methods. Now it’s your turn to demonstrate the impact of Supported Internships in your area.

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