Third Sector Podcast An impact measurement overhaul at DofE
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Aug 22, 2025 Join Ruth Marvel, the Chief Executive of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, as she dives into the charity’s innovative impact measurement framework. She shares the significance of a theory of change co-created with young people to guide their initiatives. Ruth emphasizes the use of national open data sets to validate the program’s effectiveness, especially for marginalized groups. Transparency in data reporting and adapting to evolving youth needs are also key topics, showcasing the intersection of data, policy, and youth enrichment.
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Short Surveys Drive Scale
- Keeping the questionnaire short increased response rates and reach.
- Embedding 15 focused questions in the app let DofE collect data at scale and compare to national cohorts.
Monetising Wellbeing Gains
- Wellbeing benchmarks let DofE translate improvements into an estimated monetary value.
- They report roughly a £4,400 wellbeing-equivalent benefit per participant on average.
Guard Against Selection Bias
- Account for data protection, non-response and completion bias when analysing participant data.
- Use statistical work to ensure samples remain representative before drawing conclusions.