How We Measure Impact
Founding Futures CIC
Understanding the difference our work makes
Founding Futures CIC is committed to understanding and demonstrating the impact of our work, while keeping people at the centre of everything we do.
We believe impact measurement should support learning, accountability and improvement, without placing unnecessary burden on participants or reducing people’s experiences to numbers alone.
Our approach to impact
Our approach to impact is proportionate, human-centred and aligned with our values.
We focus on:
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Understanding change from the participant perspective
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Measuring what matters, not just what is easy to count
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Balancing evidence with lived experience
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Using learning to improve practice, not to judge people
Impact measurement is built into our programmes in ways that feel safe, respectful and accessible.
What we measure
Across our programmes, we focus on changes that reflect our purpose and Theory of Change, including:
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Emotional and mental wellbeing
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Confidence and self-belief
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Social connection and sense of belonging
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Clarity, agency and readiness to move forward
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Engagement with opportunities, community life or further support
Where appropriate, we also explore outcomes linked to stability, skills, income confidence and social or financial mobility.
How we collect information
We use a mix of light-touch tools and reflective approaches, which may include:
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Pre- and post-support wellbeing and confidence check-ins
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Short self-reflection questions
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Attendance and engagement tracking
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Participant feedback and stories
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Facilitator observations and learning notes
Methods are adapted to suit the setting and the people involved.
How we use learning
Learning from impact data is used to:
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Improve programme design and delivery
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Adapt support to better meet real needs
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Strengthen safeguarding and inclusion
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Inform funders, partners and commissioners
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Build a stronger evidence base over time
We regularly reflect on what is working, what could be improved and where additional learning is needed.
Integrity, care and accountability
We are committed to ethical and responsible impact measurement.
This means:
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Being transparent about what our data does and does not show
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Avoiding over-claiming or unrealistic promises
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Protecting confidentiality and dignity
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Ensuring evaluation never causes harm or pressure
Our goal is to evidence meaningful change while staying true to the people and communities we serve.
Explore Our Approach Further
If you would like to understand more about how our work is shaped and the change we are working towards, you can explore the pages below.