The imperative to measure the impact of skilling programmes goes beyond a statistical exercise. It is crucial for ensuring their effectiveness and relevance
In the realm of nonprofit programs, the conventional metric for success often revolves around their reach-the sheer number of individuals served. However, this simplistic measure can be misleading, as a focus on 'quantity' alone does not guarantee meaningful transformation or lasting impact. Prioritizing quantity over quality runs the risk of compromising program excellence.
The right way to expand a nonprofit's impact is to build programs on three pillars: breadth, depth, and durability. Scaling requires advancement in all three dimensions simultaneously.
While the particular metrics used by each organisation may differ, some version of each of these elements must be measured and advanced collectively to remain on the right path.
Let's start with the example we know best, Generation, a global employment nonprofit network that recruits, trains, and places adult learners into careers that would otherwise be inaccessible to them.
At Generation, we define "breadth" as the number of learners who graduate from our programs-the most basic unit of impact-but we also use depth to capture the employment and income outcomes of those graduates within three months of program completion.
Finally, we also track durability, or how well these outcomes persist over time: We follow the financial and personal well-being of our alumni for up to five years after they graduate by measuring their ability to cover daily financial needs while saving for the future and taking care of their mental and physical health. Each of these pillars are equally important, and our goal is to move all three forward together.
We can embrace these essential approaches to assess the impact of skilling programs:
1. Defining Clear Goals and Indicators: Meticulously outline specific objectives for programs, identifying measurable indicators to encapsulate the changes aspired to achieve. This includes evaluating the frequency and quality of interactions, learner outcomes, and stakeholder feedback.
2. Rigorous Data and KPI Analysis: Emphasise robust data and Key Performance Indicator (KPI) analysis to assess program performance and effectiveness. Valuable insights into the outcomes of initiatives can be gained through the tracking and analysis of relevant metrics.
3. Stakeholder Engagement and Feedback: Actively seek feedback from learners and engage with various stakeholders, including local governments, training partners, donor partner and employers, to tap into valuable insights. This feedback will not only provide insights into program impact but will also fuel continuous improvement efforts.
Challenges and Opportunities
While significant strides have been made in impact measurement, the field presents its own set of challenges. The concept of employability and its measurement can vary significantly across different stakeholders, leading to a lack of coherence in defining and measuring outcomes. However, this challenge also presents an opportunity for organizations to work towards establishing an agreed-upon definition of impact and employability, allowing for more aligned and effective measurement practices.
Looking Ahead
As we continue on our mission of empowering youth through skilling programs, the focus on impact measurement remains paramount. By leveraging the right mix of metrics and tools, any organisation can further enhance its ability to assess, communicate, and improve the outcomes of its initiatives. This commitment to robust impact measurement not only benefits the organisation but also contributes to the broader goal of creating positive and sustainable change in the workforce development landscape.
The imperative to measure the impact of skilling programs goes beyond a statistical exercise. It is crucial for ensuring their effectiveness and relevance. By defining clear goals, leveraging the right metrics, and embracing stakeholder feedback, organizations can enhance their ability to assess, communicate, and improve the outcomes of their programs.
In essence, moving beyond the fixation on numbers is a journey toward a holistic understanding of impact-one that transcends quantity and embraces the transformative potential inherent in the quality of skilling programs. This shift in perspective heralds a new era where success is measured not just by the breadth of reach but by the depth of positive change and the enduring impact on the lives of those touched by these programs.
(The writer is CEO, Generation India Foundation, views are personal)
