We know the importance of evaluating how well KeepOut is performing – for ourselves, for our funders and for our partners.

The KeepOut evaluation sub group meets regularly to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the scheme against its targets. We focus on our two main aims – how well are we diverting young people from crime and how well are we supporting the rehabilitation and reduction in reoffending of prisoners.

Measuring our success – in terms of showing hard evidence of impact and outcomes – is not always easy. We use both quantitative and qualitative evidence to show the worth and value of KeepOut.

For example, we use pre- and post-event questionnaires to analyse young people’s change in behaviour and attitude as a result of their attendance at KeepOut events. This questionnaire data demonstrates evidence of our programmes having an important and measurable impact on diverting young people from crime.

We follow up a sample cohort of KeepOut prisoners released each year to measure their progress towards rehabilitation. Of the last cohort analysed, only 20% reoffended (compared to the national average of over 55%). And more than half of them were in work, studying or volunteering.

Our latest evaluation report Helping Young People and Supporting Prisoners (July 2010) sets out this evidence in more detail. This report has been very well received by our funders and partners, who recognise it as evidence of our commitment to ensuring the quality and effectiveness of the work of KeepOut, download pdf.