Social Value UK

Document Keyword: employability

  • Age at Work: A National Lottery Community Fund funded 5 year programme across 3 Nations – A Social Return on Investment Analysis

    Age at Work: A National Lottery Community Fund funded 5 year programme across 3 Nations – A Social Return on Investment Analysis

    “Executive Summary

    This research was commissioned by the Age at Work programme, run in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales over five years, supported by the National Lottery Community Fund, and conducted by Bean Research. It focuses on how the programme created social value through supporting older workers and Employers in each nation, and what its social return on investment is.

    This project was conducted through quantitative and qualitative research, using the Social Value International (SVI) Principles as a guide to make decisions and to consider the broader definition of value. The specific focus of the social valuation was on the Older Workers who participated in the programme, and Employers in the three nations participating. Age at Work Older Workers were actively involved in the evaluation process, so their experiences have been respected, and their voices have influenced the process.

    This research project and report show that Age at Work creates significant social value to society through its work with Older Workers, generating outcomes based on the development of financial capability, employability and vocational skills, a more positive mindset, and employment opportunities.”

  • Routes to Impact – Understanding the social value of employability and skills interventions in the Third Sector

    Routes to Impact – Understanding the social value of employability and skills interventions in the Third Sector

    “As part of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project between Routes To Work (RTW henceforth) and the University of the West of Scotland, the KTP team has developed, piloted and is in the process of embedding a Social Value Evaluation Framework. Through its strategic partnership with a Higher Education Institution and the guidance of a multidisciplinary team of Academics, RTW can measure and optimise its value to stakeholders. Beyond traditional, tangible measures of success like employment outcomes, RTW aims to expand the traditional understanding of employability interventions by underlining the value of ‘intangible (or ‘soft’) outcomes, such as improved confidence or mental health. This accounts for the triumphs and challenges faced by service users, recognising the wider social and economic impact of employability services.”

    “Accounting for the variety of impact created, this analysis forecasts:

    • Routes To Work will create £6.89, or a range of £3.42 – £12.76, of social value for every £1 invested in its services

    This calculation is based on a combination of quantitative and qualitative data collection conducted from January to September 2022. During this time period, the evaluation engaged with staff, employers and service users through surveys, one–to–one interviews, focus groups and a validity test to gather feedback on and refine the data collection methods. Reflecting the voices and stories of RTW stakeholders, the forecasted Social Return on Investment measures the projected return on investment of RTW interventions from 1st of April 2022 – 31st of March 2023.“