How do you know whether the programmes or workshops your institution runs have an impact? Too many organisations squander resources on training programmes that tick boxes rather than change lives. Many take a ‘spray and pray’ approach, without fully evaluating the lasting impact of the training they’ve invested in.
Here I share three different ways I’ve attempted to capture the impact of the award-winning Springboard women’s development programme. The programme aims to enhance women’s assertiveness skills and identify what’s important to them. Participants set goals and action points that will help them achieve their objectives. The programme aims to equip participants with the confidence to apply for higher-level job roles, helping to build the organisation’s talent pipeline.
This programme genuinely changes lives. While I worked at the University of Warwick, I delivered several programmes as an in-house trainer, and tracked participants’ progress over several years. Following the programme, many did indeed progress in their careers, securing job offers, often two grades above the role they’d held previously. The majority of staff remained at Warwick, helping to retain talented staff and building a talent pipeline. The success of the programme led to a high demand for places, from both female staff and their line managers.
As a result of the programme’s impact, in 2023, the University of Warwick presented me with an ‘Excellence in Gender Equality’ Award. The impact data featured in Warwick’s Athena Swan submission.
1. Formal evaluation
Formal evaluation enables participants to comment on and score the different sections of the programme. Here is a selection of the programme metrics with feedback from the most recent programme.
Of the 29 participants completing the programme, 23 completed the evaluation, a 79% response rate.
Impact
Goal setting: 87% of participants felt their ability to set and achieve goals had improved.
Assertiveness: 100% agreed they felt more knowledgeable in what constitutes ‘assertive’ communication and have identified scenarios where they can practice it or use it in real life situations
Personal Branding: 91% agreed they understood the value in increasing their visibility and have honed their ability to project a more positive image
Career confidence: 87% felt better equipped to pursue their professional ambitions
Keeping in touch: 100% intended to keep in touch with their Home Group
Programme recommendation: 100% of participants would recommend the programme to a colleague or friend.
There were also opportunities for participants to provide comments.
A selection of comments:
“Well structured programme with a lot of team work which helped to build new relationships, look at situations from different perspectives and improve confidence by being softly pushed out of comfort zones.”
“The pace of the course was good. We had engaging speakers each session. Plenty of opportunity to share knowledge and build a network. I liked having a home group but also was glad of the opportunity to move outside of my group and interact with others.”
“All four days were unique and informative. Wonderfully organised programme. I would recommend this to all my fellow friends who need an extra push to win in their personal and professional life.”
“The structure, homework and monthly meetings within our group kept me going and helped me to be engaged with the topics.”
“I became more confident and assertive. I also built valuable connections and expanded my network via the programme. I set my career goal for progression and will start to identify a mentor. I got a new job offer after the day 3 session.”
2. Using creativity to consolidate learning and build confidence
Sometimes, the best way to consolidate the learning from a development programme, is to invite participants to come up with creative ways of presenting what’s they’ve learned in small groups.
On the final day, I asked this cohort, in their small groups, to choose how they would like to share the impact of the programme. Participants could choose how they would approach the task. This summer’s Springboard graduates did not disappoint. Here I share a selection- a rap, a poem and a song that three of the groups created and then presented.
Springboard Rap
Yeah, we stepped in low, now we’re standing tall,
Found our strengths, now we’re owning it all,
No more stressin’, no compare,
Different paths, but we’re getting there,
Confidence high, we speak our name,
Talkin’ achievements, playin’ the game,
We sell our skills, we shine, we lead,
Making moves, planting that seed,
No more people-pleasing show,
We say “yes,” we say “no,”
Honest chats, we keep it real,
Saying how we truly feel,
Speaking up, our work’s in sight,
Leading projects, doing it right,
Positive minds, we break that mould,
Our story’s fresh — bold and told!
Springboard poem
They came with questions, quiet and small,
Springboard helped them stand up tall.
Confidence grew, their voices strong,
They learned they’d had it all along.
Assertive now, they claim their space,
With knowledge gained, they set the pace.
They make time for growth, for rest, for cheer,
And network-wide through CPD each year.
Together they rise, bold to the core—
A sisterhood proud: *We Are Worth More*
A song – ‘Wannabe’ inspired by the Spice Girls
If you wanna find your strength, you gotta build your crew
Widen up your network, learn from others too!
If you wanna beat the stress, you gotta take a breath,
Copy what is working and let go of the rest.
Assert yourself with kindness, confidence will grow,
Take a little risk now, trust yourself and go!
If you wanna change your life, you gotta start with you,
Springboard showed me how- now I know what to do!
Springboard Spice Girls- Born to run the world
3. Unsolicited feedback
And finally, unsolicited feedback is always a positive indication that you’ve had an impact at a deeper level. I received a lovely card from one participant, who wrote:
“I just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you for facilitating the Springboard women’s development programme over the past few months. The four sessions have been incredibly valuable and I’m so grateful for the time, thought and energy you put into guiding us through this journey. The programme has genuinely helped me realise my own worth and given me the tools to navigate some big life changes…I’m so glad I had the space for reflection and growth.”
Contact me
In my role as a freelance licensed Springboard trainer, I can now deliver the programme in other organisations. Get in touch if you’d like to know how you can transform the lives of your female staff and grow your talent pool.