ImpactMeasurement System
OverviewandHowtoUseIt
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