Reports Database:
Routes to Impact – Understanding the social value of employability and skills interventions in the Third Sector

“As part of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project between Routes To Work (RTW henceforth) and the University of the West of Scotland, the KTP team has developed, piloted and is in the process of embedding a Social Value Evaluation Framework. Through its strategic partnership with a Higher Education Institution and the guidance of a multidisciplinary team of Academics, RTW can measure and optimise its value to stakeholders. Beyond traditional, tangible measures of success like employment outcomes, RTW aims to expand the traditional understanding of employability interventions by underlining the value of ‘intangible (or ‘soft’) outcomes, such as improved confidence or mental health. This accounts for the triumphs and challenges faced by service users, recognising the wider social and economic impact of employability services.”

“Accounting for the variety of impact created, this analysis forecasts:

• Routes To Work will create £6.89, or a range of £3.42 – £12.76, of social value for every £1 invested in its services

This calculation is based on a combination of quantitative and qualitative data collection conducted from January to September 2022. During this time period, the evaluation engaged with staff, employers and service users through surveys, one–to–one interviews, focus groups and a validity test to gather feedback on and refine the data collection methods. Reflecting the voices and stories of RTW stakeholders, the forecasted Social Return on Investment measures the projected return on investment of RTW interventions from 1st of April 2022 – 31st of March 2023.“