Impact Report FAQs

Impact Reports | FAQs

Introductory guidance for creating your impact report.

What are our branded fonts, and which should be used for headers and body copy?

• Headers: TT Commons Pro ExtraBlack
• Body Text: Montserrat

What font size do you recommend?

Using Page 2 of the template as a reference:

• Section Headers (e.g., ‘Strategy Update’): Size 30
• Subheaders & Page Headers (e.g., ‘The Power of a Trusted Adult’): Size 18
• Body Text: Size 11
• Quotes: Size 9 minimum

Note: Please resist the urge to shrink font sizes to squeeze more text onto a page. Reducing text size hurts readability and compromises the report’s professional finish.

What should I do if I run out of page space for a section?

Duplicate the page! It’s quick and easy:

1. Look at the row of action icons above your current template page.
2. Click the Duplicate Page icon (two overlapping squares with a plus sign).
3. Continue your text on the new page using the standard font sizes above.

Depending on the page, some brand design elements will already be pre-set. If you’re happy carrying on from there – fantastic! If you’d prefer a hand, tag us directly in your template or drop us an email.

marketing.comms@mcrpathways.org 

Is there a suggested layout for case studies?

There’s no single ‘right way’ – what stood out most in previous reports was the passion behind every story! However, to help keep things digestible across all reports, here is a general guide on length and structure:

Length & Reading Time

Cognitive research shows the average adult reads roughly 240 words per minute. To keep case studies engaging without overwhelming the reader, aim for a 2–3 minute read time (approximately 500–600 words).

Narrative Structure: The ASPIRE Framework

We recommend using the ASPIRE Framework, which centers on empowerment – highlighting a young person’s innate potential and how a trusted adult mentor helped unlock it.

• Headline: A short, punchy descriptor summarising the young person’s key strength and outcome.
• Asset: Who the young person is, including their interests and core strengths.
• Spark: The ambition or transition they wanted to navigate (typically focused on a career, confidence, or crossroads spark).
• Action: How 1:1 weekly mentoring helped them build confidence and act on their strengths (include a short quote from the mentor).
• Expansion: The positive destination reached (include a quote from the young person reflecting on their growth).

View a short example of the ASPIRE Framework in practice

How can I check that my text aligns with the language guide before submitting?

You can use our pre-programmed Gemini tool to review your copy against the new language guide. It checks everything from short callout statements and full paragraphs to data evidence sections – and catches spelling and grammar errors along the way.

[Run your copy through the Gemini alignment tool]

Why are some parts of the Impact Report template locked?

To maintain brand consistency across all reports, core layout features and background visual elements are locked in place. Don’t worry – you can still freely edit text blocks without accidentally shifting or breaking the layout structure. Just double-click on the text box, and you’ll be able to edit. If you need to unlock something, for example if your text is longer than the text box it sits in, click the padlock until it unlocks.

How do I ensure all bases are covered regarding photography permission?

Based on GDPR best practice and sector benchmarks (like King’s Trust and Career Ready), we’ve retired the multi-use consent form. 

Moving forward, every recognisable person in a photo taken for impact reports must have a Photography Consent form record logged in Pathfinder, alongside their MCR Pathways Mentoring Programme consent form. 

Previously captured consents remain valid. Pathfinder has been updated to reflect changes, which only apply to new consent collected going forward. 

For any young person under 16, the Photography Consent form on Pathfinder must be signed by a parent, carer, or legal guardian.

Note: Dedicated Storytelling Consent forms are still required if photos or filming involve marketing, fundraising, or external media professionals.

For any further questions, please contact colin.adam@mcrpathways.org 

What makes a good photo that can be used in an impact report and how do we safely capture them?

Consent Verification Before Shooting

• Consent: Confirm that every recognisable person in a photo has an active Photography Consent record logged in Pathfinder. For any young person under 16, the Photography Consent form on Pathfinder must be signed by a parent, carer, or legal guardian.
• Opt-Out Protocol: Provide visible, low-pressure ways for young people to opt out of photos on the day without feeling singled out (e.g., a specific color lanyard, sticker, or discrete staff briefing prior to activity).
• Right to Withdraw: Be aware that participants can withdraw consent at any time. For printed reports, observe internal print deadline cut-offs and communicate to them to all involved. For digital, any image subject to withdraw will be replaced.

Metadata & Secure Storage

• Personal Devices: Staff and volunteers should avoid storing event photos on personal smartphones or personal cloud drives (i iCloud/Google Photos).
• Prompt Upload: Transfer all photos to Pathfinder or secure organizational drives as soon as possible, then delete them from local camera cards or mobile devices.
• File Naming & Geo-Data: Turn off location services (GPS tagging) on cameras/phones before shooting to prevent embedded metadata from revealing exact locations.

Composition & Framing

• Show Action & Connection: Capture genuine interactions – a mentor and young person working through a workshop material, laughing together, or collaborating during group activities.
• The Rule of Thirds: Position key subjects slightly off-center for a more dynamic and professional composition.
• Background Awareness: Keep backgrounds clean and clutter-free. Ensure no sensitive information (e.g., whiteboard notes, personal contact details, or confidential paperwork) is visible behind the subject.
• Detail Fallbacks: When individual face consent isn’t available, capture detail shots (e.g., hands working, written feedback, activity resources) to visually enrich the report without compromising privacy.

Lighting & Focus

• Natural Light First: Position subjects facing toward natural light sources (windows or open spaces) rather than shot against harsh backlights, which creates dark silhouettes.
• Focus on the Eyes: Ensure the subject’s eyes are sharp and in focus. Soft background blur helps isolate the subject and gives images an executive, report-ready feel.
• Avoid Flash: Built-in smartphone or camera flashes create harsh glare, unflattering shadows, and can feel intrusive or alarming to participants.

I’m not too confident with Canva – is there an opportunity to learn more about the platform?

Absolutely. We’re running three drop-in sessions next month. Simply drop us an email (marketing.comms@mcrpathways.org) to let us know, which of the three sessions you can make it along to, and we’ll send over an invitation.

• Wednesday 16 September – 4pm
• Thursday 17 September – 2 pm
• Friday 18 September – 12pm.