H The feasibility of developing a methodology for measuring the distance travelled and soft outcomes for long-term unemployed people participating in Active Labour Market Programmes. Final report.
BARNES Sally-Anne, WRIGHT Sally
2019 73p. The concept of ‘distance travelled’ has developed as a way to measure the progress clients are making in achieving ‘soft outcomes’ that may lead to sustained employment or other associated ‘hard outcomes’ in the future. While recognising that measuring distance travelled can be beneficial to funders, service commissioners, providers and clients, there is a limited evidence base on the effectiveness of distance travelled measures in terms of programme impact. This suggests there is still work to be done to better understand and evaluate distance travelled models and measures. Final Report
European Social Fund (ESF), impact assessment, skills
The main reason for measuring soft outcomes and distance travelled is to capture the benefits resulting from programme activities that would otherwise be missed if only hard outcomes were recorded. The information collected on distance travelled can be used to show clients the progress they are making as a result of participating in a project. It can also be useful in showing project staff how the project is progressing, which can be important for motivating staff even if hard outcomes have not yet been achieved. The information gathered on soft outcomes can also be used to identify which activities are having a positive impact, and where improvements can be made. The information can also be useful in demonstrating to employers, colleges or other organisations that the participants have developed the soft skills that they need, and have the necessary motivation/commitment to make necessary changes. Measuring soft outcomes and distance travelled can also be used to demonstrate to funders that a project (or intervention) is making a real difference, even if hard outcomes have not yet been achieved.