1. Social Return on Investment Application and benefits for CLD

2. 2 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ SROI is a tool that can: –identify –quantify –evidence –compare –… the social, economic and environmental impact (or potential impact) of a project, programme, or initiative (£) can be built into appraisal, evaluation or performance management processes not new, but is gaining popularity in the current economic climate What is SROI?

3. 3 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Not for everyone – hidden social/economic/environmental value Does not replace traditional evaluation Not perfect – but another indicator Not the complete answer But is an effective means of demonstrating value to a wider group of stakeholders What SROI is not

4. 4 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Greater pressure on resources Increased competition for resources Difficult investment decisions Pressure to demonstrate value You need to understand what each investment is delivering (outputs > outcomes) Understand how and why it is delivering Demonstrate and communicate value to council, partners and stakeholders Support a wide variety of programmes/projects that deliver a wide range of outcomes Current MIS system collect a wealth of data – but how do you compare it? Difficult to value/communicate benefits Demonstrating value in the current economic climate You face a range of ISSUES … Difficult DECISIONS However, there are OBSTACLES …

5. 5 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ What works well Demonstrate and communicate value to wider stakeholders Investment mentality: helps people understand that your service is an investment Capture ‘hidden’ value: more than just a service Reduce inequalities Focus on our communities

6. 6 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Challenges –Scope (resources) –Scope (boundaries) –Clear research design –Managing expectations –Getting the stages right –Data availability –Getting the consultation right –Proxy selection and availability … however it is very effective in Making the Case

7. 7 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ An example: Youth Services One-to-one sessions on managing behaviour Training opportunities Learning opportunities ActivityOutputOutcomeImpact 120 attendees 58 undertake a work- placement 23 attend a course on construction Improved behaviour change (reduced aggression) Reduced offending Improved confidence and self-esteem Improved employability Attainment of qualifications Improved skills development Greater access to employment and training opportunities Quality of life improvements How SROI can assist you to evidence outcomes and value: a snapshot

8. 8 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ An example: Literacy services Delivery of accredited training courses Awareness raising sessions ActivityOutputOutcomeImpact 23 complete training course: of which 13 were English is their second language 88 attend sessions from a number of referral agencies Attainment of qualifications Improved literacy and numeracy Increased enrolment in literacy and numeracy courses Attainment of qualifications Improved literacy and numeracy Social integration Sense of citizenship Ability to communicate effectively Greater access to employment opportunities Quality of life improvements How SROI can assist you to evidence outcomes and value: a snapshot

9. 9 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Activity Identify type and format of data collected Desk research/stake holder engagement Review your current data Engage to gap fill Map outputs, outcomes and impacts Calculate return on investment Prioritise actions Map outputs, outcomes and impacts Calculate the Social Return on Investment Compare return on investment between projects Key stages Outputs Clear plan to fill gaps Complete output and outcome data Clear map of output > outcome Evidenced ‘accounts’ for each project Chart with prioritised for investment 12345 Value add Identify gaps that prevent comparative analysis Full picture of what is being delivered System approach overview of project/ programme Comparable and communicable return on investment Best value projects identified

10. 10 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Example impact map

11. 11 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Example impact map continued…

12. Frontline Consultants Willow House, Kestrel View, Strathclyde Business Park, Lanarkshire, ML4 3PB Nick Downes, 07738 543 401, nicholas.downes@frontlinemc.com Contact details