BEYOND Horizons Impact Measurement System Guide

Impact Measurement System Overview and How to Use It

This document explains the Impact Measurement System developed to support anyone delivering programmes in the outdoors. It is designed to be clear, practical, and easy to understand for a wide range of users, including outdoor practitioners, youth workers, coaches, educators, project managers, and organisations working in outdoor sport, recreation, nature-based learning, and community programmes.

It should be read alongside the accompanying Impact Measurement System Guide & Survey document, which provides templates, question ideas, and practical tools. Together, these documents help partners to measure outcomes, improve practice, and clearly show the positive impact of their work across Europe.

What is an Impact Measurement System?

An impact measurement system is a structured way of understanding what changes because of a project.

Instead of only recording what activities took place (for example, how many sessions were delivered or how many young people attended), an impact measurement system looks at: What young people gained from the project How participants changed over time Whether the project achieved its intended outcomes

Why use an Impact Measurement System?

Using an impact measurement system is important for several reasons: 1. To understand what works

It helps partners see which activities have the greatest positive effect on young people and which areas could be improved.

2. To improve programme quality By reviewing feedback and outcomes, partners can adapt programmes to better meet participants’ needs.

3. To demonstrate value Clear evidence of impact is essential for reporting, future funding applications, and communication with

stakeholders.

4. To give young people a voice Surveys, conversations, and feedback allow participants to share their experiences and highlight what

matters most to them.

Who Is the Impact Measurement System For? While this impact measurement system was developed within the context of the Beyond Horizons Erasmus+ project, it is designed to be open, adaptable, and useful for anyone delivering programmes with young people, particularly in outdoor sport, physical activity, youth work, education, and naturebased initiatives.

The system can be used by: Youth and community organisations – to understand and improve the outcomes of their

programmes Outdoor sport and recreation providers – to measure physical, mental, social, and environmental impacts Schools, educators, and youth workers – to support learning, engagement, and personal development outcomes Local authorities and public bodies – to demonstrate social value and community impact Funders and policy makers – to understand what works and why Researchers and practitioners – as a practical framework for applied impact measurement

Overview of the Impact Measurement Process The Beyond Horizons impact measurement system follows a clear, step-by-step approach, outlined in the attached guide: 1. Define the scope of the project 2. Identify stakeholders 3. Engage with stakeholders 4. Select relevant outcomes 5. Identify indicators and tools 6. Plan data collection 7. Analyse data 8. Report and share findings Each step builds on the previous one and helps ensure that impact measurement is meaningful and manageable.

Key Principles to Remember Impact measurement should support learning, not create an unnecessary burden Keep tools simple and age-appropriate Collect only data that you will actually use Combine numbers with stories for a full picture of impact