In partnership with Pursuing Independent Paths (PiP), this project co-produced the RISE (Rethinking, Inclusion, Social value, and Experience) Toolkit to measure the societal and financial impact of services for adults with learning disabilities. It captures the unique value created for individuals, families, and communities through inclusive, participatory evaluation.
Background
At the core of this work is a participatory Social Return on Investment (SROI) framework, which places adults with learning disabilities at the centre of the evaluation process. By using inclusive methods—such as photovoice, visual tools, and trained peer researchers—the project captures lived experiences and social outcomes often overlooked by traditional approaches.
The RISE Toolkit is currently being embedded into everyday practice at PiP. This implementation stage supports continuous learning and evidence generation, ensuring that meaningful involvement remains central to the organisation’s impact measurement
Project Aims
By working directly with adults with learning disabilities to develop a toolkit to demonstrate the impact of organisations like PiP on their lives, and the wider community and society.
Project Activity
The work focused on developing and testing practical tools that PiP could use in real settings. This included mapping service pathways, identifying meaningful outcomes with participants and staff, and trialling different ways of capturing change. The team translated these insights into clear, accessible resources and supported PiP to integrate them into everyday processes. The current focus is on refining the tools through ongoing staff and participant feedback, supporting consistent use across the organisation, and strengthening continuous learning.
Anticipated or actual outputs
This project will produce a resource that the charity can use to demonstrate its social, cultural, and financial value. It focuses on supporting adults with learning disabilities to engage with activities and settings they value, illustrating the benefits this brings to the entire community.
Who is involved?
- Professor Ewen Speed (PI, University of Essex)
- Dr Tuba Gokpinar (Corresponding Researcher, University of Essex, and Pursuing Independent Paths)
- Dr Konstantinos Roussos (University of Essex)
- Jack Taylor (Deputy CEO, Pursuing Independent Paths)
- Denise Largin (CEO, Pursuing Independent Paths)
- Dr Anne Steinhoff (University of Essex)
- Dr John Day (University of Essex)
- Dr Aaron Wyllie (University of Essex)
Contact
Dr Tuba Gokpinar, tubag@piponline.org.uk
Prof Ewen Speed, esspeed@essex.ac.uk
