What is the BOSS project?

The European wide BOSS project was designed to help organisations research the social value of their interventions/projects. It engaged with existing outdoor sports projects that seek to build social capital or develop social change in individuals or communities through the use of outdoor sports. The contributing organisations helped to develop a Toolkit that guides anyone who is developing or managing outdoor sports to show the impact of their project. 

Download the interactive summary of the BOSS project

How was Battle Back Involved?

Leeds Beckett University was approached by The European Outdoor Group and invited to put forward Battle Back as a case study. It was accepted as one of only 12 projects from across Europe. Battle Back was chosen as one of the underpinning case studies in order to develop a toolkit to help others research their projects. The case studies focused on the testing and evaluating of the process that had been designed. This ensured it was both practical to use and produced standardised information. Our research and testing of the method contributed to the toolkit that was developed.

Findings from the Case Study testing

What will happen with the Toolkit?

The dissemination of this research will be targeted to four key sectors:
• The political sector: this will include the European Commission and both central and regional authorities that have a remit for the development of sport and/or social integrations/development.
• The National sports sectors including European and National federations as well as voluntary clubs and grass roots providers of outdoor sports.
• The Scientific/Academic sector through publication of findings in academic journals and also through sharing a networking conferences and events
• Industry and commercial sector through the European Outdoor Group who bring to together the main manufacturers and the outdoor industry