Written by Simon Glenister

At Noise Solution, we’re passionate about making a tangible difference in the lives of young people. As a social enterprise rooted in creativity and community, our mission is to work with those facing significant challenges—be it school exclusion, mental health struggles, or social isolation. However, in a world increasingly focused on data-driven outcomes, one question we are continually pressed to answer is how do we measure the true impact of our work?

For us, the answer lies in an innovative, holistic approach that combines cutting-edge technology, established psychological frameworks, and a steadfast commitment to understanding the lived experiences of our participants. In this blog, I’ll delve into how Noise Solution evaluates its success, ensures transparency and accountability and champions the transformative power of music and creativity.

Why Impact Measurement Matters

Social enterprises operate at the intersection of business and charity, blending social good with sustainable practice. For organisations like Noise Solution proving impact shouldn’t be measured in satisfied funders or maximised profits. Instead, it should be about the continuous and dynamic improvement of an approach to genuinely meet the needs of the intended beneficiaries – in our case the various young people we support.

In Cambridgeshire and Suffolk, where my team focuses much of the work of Noise Solution, suspension and exclusion rates for school pupils remain alarmingly high. This is particularly the case for those who grapple with mental health issues or adverse life circumstances. When dealing with at-risk youth, it’s not enough to simply say that we are helping; we need to demonstrate the how and the why.

The Foundations: Self-Determination Theory (SDT)

Our work with young people and our impact measurement framework is grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT), developed by psychologists Richard Ryan and Edward Deci. This evidence-based model identifies three core psychological needs essential for well-being to flourish. The first – autonomy – speaks to the feeling of being in control of one’s life. The second – competence – encapsulates the sense of being good at something and the feeling of being capable of growth. The third – relatedness – is about the experience of meaningful connection with others.

By focusing on these needs in what we do and what we measure, we aim to create environments where young people can thrive—not just during their time with us, but long afterwards.

A Mixed-Methods Approach: Quantitative and Qualitative Data

At Noise Solution we’ve developed our use of Salesforce (a popular CRM platform) in award winning ways to perform extensive qualitative story and quantitative validated well-being scale data capture and analysis. We’re implementing statistical, linguistic and generative A.I methodologies to demonstrate and report on well-being outcomes iin ways not seen in the third sector previously. This platform enables us to embrace a mixed-methods approach to measure impact. By integrating quantitative metrics with rich qualitative insights, we paint a 360-degree picture of the change we’re creating.

To quantifiably measure if changes in well-being have occurred over time we use the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (SWEMWBS), a validated NHS tool. Participants complete the SWEMWBS at the start and end of their programme. This data allows us to benchmark our results against national averages from the same scale used by the NHS which, in turn, helps to confidently demonstrate that we consistently achieve outcomes that surpass expectations for similar populations.

While numbers tell part of the story, we believe the human experience also speaks volumes. In this respect, our innovative use of digital narratives sets us apart. After each session, our professional musicians film short reflection videos with participants to capture their thoughts and feelings in the moment. If they choose to do so, participants then upload this to a secure feed, akin to a social media feed, and share it with their family and with professional key workers. These videos allow young people to use their own words to articulate how their experiences impact their autonomy, competence, and relatedness. To make sense of these rich narratives, we have developed an AI-enabled analysis engine that is able to identify the key themes of basic psychological needs from SDT. This approach moves us beyond conventional feedback forms and offers an unparalleled depth and nuance with which to understand changes in well-being. It is work which again is nationally award winning.

A Collaborative Model

Impact measurement at Noise Solution is also not a one-sided endeavour. Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do.

Digital narratives are shared securely with families and referring professionals to create a shared understanding of progress and to have an additional impact on how professionals and families view participants. The feedback of family members and the relevant professionals is also collected and triangulated to add to perspectives, ensuring a well-rounded view of impact.

Beyond supporting the immediate networks which directly relate to our participants, we partner with a variety of institutions to ensure our work strengthens, and is strengthened by, links with developing research on social impact. Our partnership with Cambridge Universities Education faculty and UEA exemplifies how collaboration drives meaningful insights into strength based creative approaches to engagement with young people facing a variety of challenges in the present education system.

Finally, we value the voice of our funders and stakeholders. Our ability to share real-time data, underpinned by rigorous analysis, strengthens trust with these stakeholders. As one Suffolk council lead noted, “Noise Solution can demonstrate outcomes better than anyone else I know in their field.”

The Cost-Benefit Equation

One of the most compelling aspects of our impact measurement is demonstrating value for money. A recent Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis by Costello Medical revealed that every £1 invested in our programme generates savings of £12.50 for families and public services. This equates to a saving of £3,250,000 across our delivery model, this year—evidence that our work not only changes lives but reduces strain on overstretched systems.

The Bigger Picture: Systemic Change

Beyond individual outcomes, Noise Solution’s impact measurement feeds into a larger goal: influencing the way systems support and demonstrate impact for and with vulnerable young people. By providing robust, real-time evidence of what works, we aim to inspire schools, local authorities, and social services to adopt approaches that collect data in ways that positively impact outcomes rather than ‘get in the way’ in ways that prioritise relationship-building and well-being.

For example, our tiered delivery model—ranging from high-need intensive mentoring to lower-intensity group work—and supported by our sophisticated digital infrastructure offers a scalable framework for supporting young people at different stages of risk. By demonstrating the effectiveness of this model, we’re challenging traditional, often punitive responses to school exclusion and mental health crises.

Inspiring Future Social Entrepreneurs

For those interested in exploring the world of social enterprise, I believe the approach we advance at Noise Solution offers a few valuable lessons.

First, evidence is everything. Social enterprises must prove their impact to remain credible and a combination of robust data and personal stories creates a compelling case for support. Second, innovation drives change. From AI analysis to digital storytelling, harnessing technology can enhance both operations and outcomes. And finally, third, collaboration is key. Working with stakeholders at every level ensures sustainable, systemic impact.

At its core, social enterprise is about people – empowering them, understanding them, and creating lasting change. At Noise Solution, I’m proud that we put impact at the heart of everything we do. Together, we can inspire a generation to reimagine how creativity and care transform lives and create change that matters.

For more information about the impact of Noise Solution's work, visit Noise Solution.

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