RISE: A Co-Created Toolkit for Inclusive Impact Measurement in Learning Disability Education and Community Services

Co‑producing a practical toolkit that strengthens organisational practice, builds confidence and leadership among adults with learning disabilities, and provides the wider sector with a scalable model for measuring social value.

Why is the research needed?

Adults with learning disabilities often participate in services that create significant social, cultural and community value, yet these impacts are rarely captured by traditional evaluation tools. Existing frameworks tend to overlook lived experience, rely on inaccessible methods, and fail to reflect what truly matters to people, families and communities.

There is a clear need for inclusive, co‑produced approaches that recognise the expertise of people with learning disabilities and support organisations to evidence their impact in meaningful, ethical and accessible ways.

What are we doing?

We co‑produced the RISE Toolkit (Rethinking, Inclusion, Social value and Experience) with adults with learning disabilities at Pursuing Independent Paths (PiP). The work involved developing a participatory Social Return on Investment (SROI) framework, identifying meaningful outcomes with students and staff, mapping service pathways, and testing accessible methods such as Photovoice, visual tools and peer‑led interviews. Insights from this participatory research were translated into practical, easy‑to‑use resources that support everyday practice. The Toolkit is now being embedded across PiP, with ongoing refinement informed by staff and participant feedback.

How are we working with communities, services and organisations?

Our project is grounded in co‑production. Adults with learning disabilities were trained and supported as peer researchers, contributing to data collection, analysis discussions and the design of accessible tools. A multi‑stakeholder working group guided decisions throughout, and methods were adapted to ensure meaningful involvement, including the use of Makaton, visual tools and accessible ethics processes. PiP staff and leadership were closely involved at every stage, ensuring the Toolkit reflects organisational priorities and everyday practice.

What will the impact and benefits of this research be?

For PiP, the Toolkit has strengthened the clarity and consistency of outcomes evidence, supported more effective funding and commissioning work, and embedded a reflective, learning‑oriented approach across the organisation. Staff now use impact information in ways that feel meaningful and aligned with practice rather than compliance.

For adults with learning disabilities, the project has strengthened confidence, agency and leadership, giving people a clearer voice in shaping their own services and creating new opportunities, including progression into paid employment for peer researchers.

For the wider sector, the project offers a replicable, inclusive model for measuring social value in learning disability services, demonstrating how co‑production and participatory methods can be embedded into everyday organisational processes.

What do we have planned for knowledge mobilisation and implementation?

Organisation wide staff training and peer researcher development have supported the integration of the Toolkit into routine practice. Findings have been shared at conferences International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation (ICERI) 2024, British Sociological Association (BSA) Annual Conference 2025 and other sector events. Funder ready case studies and SROI materials are in progress. 

Related papers, outputs and resources

Read the related paper, titled 'Developing an Impact Toolkit: A Participatory Approach to Measuring Social Impact in Education for Adults with Learning Disabilities'

  • We are developing the RISE Toolkit, which will be a co‑produced resources for inclusive, participatory impact measurement, including accessible tools, templates and guidance for practice.

Who is involved?

  • Principal Investigator: Professor Ewen Speed, University of Essex
  • Corresponding Researcher: Dr Tuba Gokpinar, University of Essex and Pursuing Independent Paths
  • Dr Aaron Wyllie, University of Essex
  • 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
  • Peer Researchers, Students at Pursuing Independent Paths

Get in contact

Email Dr Tuba Gokpinar or Professor Ewen Speed at tubag@piponline.org.uk at esspeed@essex.ac.uk.

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