UKSA Launches Groundbreaking Research Programme with Cambridge University

UKSA’s strategic mission is to continually develop its services, assets, and people to meet the needs of children and young people now and for future generations. This year for the first time, through its partnerships with both Cambridge University and George Williams College (The Centre for Youth Impact), UKSA is proud to be able to validate its impact through the development of two unique Theories of Change supporting its strategic pillars:   Impactful Adventures on the Water for children who would not normally be able to attend UKSA; and Maritime Careers Training for employment in the industry.

Ros McLellan, Professor of Pedagogy at Cambridge University comments: “It has been exciting working with UKSA on developing a theory of change for their residential school’s programme. Having examined the evidence accumulated from case study videos and large-scale surveys of young people as well as interviews with teachers and UKSA instructors, there is no doubt that this programme supports social and emotional learning in young people. The theory of change suggests the programme develops young people’s self-efficacy (belief they can do the task in front of them) and fulfils their basic human needs to feel competent, autonomous and a sense of relatedness. Skillful instructors not only provide opportunities for young people to succeed, even for youngsters with no prior experience of watersports, through appropriately pitched challenges, but also create a supportive and safe learning space for young people to give things a go and support each other in succeeding. Young people are given space to make their own decisions and the experience provides new opportunities to connect with others. Consequently, improved self-belief, motivation, wellbeing and socio-emotional skills are seen overall. For some youngsters, teachers noted these benefits appear to translate to better attitudes toward learning on return to school.”

Such is the gravitas of this impact work Professor McLellan has been invited to present this Theory of Change at the British Education Research Conference in September.  As the charity continues to provide more validation as to the significant impact of its programmes, they continue to work with Cambridge University. The training provider is working on a groundbreaking longitudinal study measuring, the long-term impact of its programmes, both in terms of life skills, social mobility and pathways into employment. They have also engaged with Cambridge to analyse data from their Alumni to understand the outcomes of students training at UKSA. Following their study at UKSA, 96% entered further study or employment, with 61% gaining employment specifically in the maritime industry. 85% rated their training experience as ‘Very Useful’ or ‘Extremely Useful’ and 97% would return to the organisation.

Ben Willows CEO at UKSA, states ‘We have always measured the impact of our programmes, but the work that has been completed with Cambridge University and The Centre for Youth Impact provides external validation and takes our measurement approach to a much-advanced level. I am particularly excited about the unique research work we are continuing with Ros McCellan to validate the longer-term impact of our programmes to drive social change and employment opportunities.’

As part of this valuable work, UKSA is proud to launch its latest Impact Report for 2023/24 which outlines this Theory of Change, whilst evidencing the considerable impact that they have on all their beneficiaries.  

This Impact Report highlights that it has been a record-breaking year in terms of the number of beneficiaries UKSA has welcomed through its doors for enriching water-based adventures, education, and training for careers at sea in 2023. They increased the number of beneficiaries they were able to offer life-enhancing experiences to, expanded their reach wider, and provided more opportunities to those that needed it the most.

In 2023/24, UKSA welcomed 11,114 beneficiaries into its unique centre on the Isle of Wight, representing a growth of 5% year on year. Of these 79% were 25 and under and 31% were funded to the value of £1,486,714.

To read UKSA’s full Impact Report visit www.uksa.org/charity/our-impact/