Social Value UK

Topic: Employment and training

  • 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.”

  • Report on Social Value created by Offploy in 2023

    Report on Social Value created by Offploy in 2023

    “This research was commissioned by Offploy CIC and conducted by Bean Research. It forms part of a project to understand how the organisation creates social value, what its social return on investment is, and the development of a toolkit to support the wider rehabilitation sector in measuring and reporting the difference it makes.

    Offploy supports people at risk of offending and re-offending, empowering them to access greater opportunities and achieve their full potential. They focus on tangible opportunities, such as skills development and access to resources, alongside tackling the mindset and self-belief challenges that individuals face.

    This project was conducted through quantitative and qualitative research, using the Social Value International (SVI) Principles as a guide to make decisions and to take into account the broader definition of value. The specific focus of the social valuation was on the Candidates who participated in the programme. Offploy Candidates were actively involved as those affected by the programme, so their experiences have been respected, and their voices influence the process.

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

    Overall, the research shows that Offploy has generated just over £7 million of social value through their activities in 2023. When factoring in the investment required, this means the Social Return on Investment (SROI) ratio is £1: £12.09, although based on further sensitivity analysis, this should be more truly shown as a range between £1: £9.20-£15.30.

    Our analysis shows that the largest contribution to social value is the increased positive mindset of Candidates created through working with Offploy, measured by an increase in scores of wellbeing. This accounts for 37% of the overall social value.

    Offploy is keen to use the research to provide greater insight into how to better support its Candidates and create the most social value for them. Through this research, Offploy has been working with the researchers to not just understand how and how much social value is created but to develop the tools, systems and understanding to conduct future social value measurement themselves.

    In addition, Offploy is keen to go one step further and share these systems and processes with the rest of the sector, as well as the details behind the valuations, causality, and sensitivity assumptions made. Our joint hope is that this report is the first step in the journey.”

  • iGA’s Beekeeping Project SROI analysis

    iGA’s Beekeeping Project SROI analysis

    “This analysis focuses on measuring the impact of iGA’s Beekeeping Project, an ongoing project that was initiated in 2022. The evaluation utilizes the Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis as a framework, which is based on eight fundamental principles that are applied throughout the entire report. Adhering to these principles, the report provides transparent information regarding the measurement of the Project’s social impact.

    The SROI framework allows for a comprehensive assessment of the Beekeeping Project’s outcomes, taking into account not only the financial returns but also the social benefits generated by the initiative. By analyzing the social value created by the Project, the SROI approach provides a holistic understanding of its overall impact on the community and stakeholders involved.

    Transparency plays a pivotal role in this analysis, ensuring that all relevant data and findings related to the social impact measurement are disclosed. By presenting the information in a transparent manner, stakeholders and interested parties can gain insights into the Project’s effectiveness and contributions to the well-being of the community.

    The SROI analysis considers various dimensions of social impact, including economic, environmental, and social aspects. It aims to quantify and monetize the social benefits generated by the Beekeeping Project, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of its value to society. By applying this robust evaluation framework, iGA can gain a deeper understanding of the Project’s strengths, areas for improvement, and the overall social return on investment.

    Through this impact measurement analysis, iGA demonstrates its commitment to accountability, social responsibility, and evidence-based decision-making. By assessing the social impact of the Beekeeping Project, iGA can identify strategies to enhance the positive outcomes, optimize resource allocation, and ensure the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the initiative.

    Overall, this analysis provides a transparent and comprehensive evaluation of the social impact of iGA’s Beekeeping Project, utilizing the SROI framework as a rigorous methodology. By measuring and communicating the social value created by the Project, iGA demonstrates its commitment to making informed decisions and fostering positive change within the community.”

  • Social Return on Investment Evaluation Report Mencap’s Supported Internship programme 2021 – 2022

    Social Return on Investment Evaluation Report Mencap’s Supported Internship programme 2021 – 2022

    Executive Summary

    This report presents an evaluation of social return, based on the 2021/2022 cohort engaged in the Mencap’s Supported Internship (SI) programme. It builds on the previous work undertaken to produce a forecast of the impact of the 2020/21 cohort.

    The evaluation was constructed with information from a number of processes:

    • A Literature Review to identify material outcomes and stakeholders
    • Engagement with a Sounding Board including ex-learners from the Mencap Supported Internship programme to guide the analysis
    • Interviews with learners, parents, referral agencies and Local Authorities and employers
    • Undertaking deep dives at two of Mencap’s Supported Internship projects
    • Development of an overall Theory of Change and a chain of outcomes for learners
    • Data collection from Mencap’s review documentation used with learners
    • Determining valuations based on undertaking the Values Game with learners
    • Creation of a value map to present the findings
    • Calculation of the Social Return on Investment ratio.

    This evaluation follows the previous forecast SROI process undertaken with the 2020/21 learner cohort, which yielded an SROI ratio of 2.35, with a range between £2 and £3. It was concluded that this ratio was considered to likely to be an underestimate. This was a result of the limitations imposed on delivery of the programme, the research and the stakeholder engagement due to Covid 19 measures. Secondly, there were limitations on the evidence which could be derived from Mencap’s records to support some of the outcomes. Mencap undertook a revision of their paperwork on the basis of recommendations made.

    Hence the second phase of the research reported here, concentrated on the 2021/22 cohort where the programme retuned to more normalised programme of delivery and as a result of which the research could also include more direct connection with stakeholders. The issues of data gaps could be largely resolved, therefore a more realistic and accurate assessment of social value could be determined. The calculations yielded an SROI ratio of 3.22, with a range between £1.61 and £4.83 returned for every £1 invested in the Supported Internship programme.

    Mencap’s Supported Internship programme overview

    The Supported Internship (SI) programme is one of Mencap’s ‘Three Ships’ skills and employability programme components, alongside Traineeships and Apprenticeships. The overall aim is to help young people (16-24) with learning disabilities and young people with autism to get paid employment and to thrive in a job.

    Each year, Mencap’s employment support programmes help over 1,000 people with a learning disability to develop employability skills, undertake personal skills development and then gain paid employment. Mencap is the largest multi-site provider of Supported Internships and the 6th largest overall in the UK. In 2020/2021 Mencap delivered supported Internships across 11 project locations in England, with 10 locations in the following year.

    In 2021/2022 the programme was further extended through the introduction of a Study Programme, in recognition of the fact that many people who had been referred to the SI programme were too far away from the labour market to benefit from a programme lasting only one year. Learners on the study programme therefore had the opportunity to engage in a programme of classroom learning for up to two years, before moving onto the SI programme to help develop their employability skills and competencies.

    Mencap’s SI delivery includes classroom group training, one-to-one support from tutors and job coaches, and individualised work placements with employers. The programme period is in academic years, recruiting learners each autumn. The programme gives approx. 600 hours input for each learner, normally 300 hours of classroom delivery and 300 hours on work placement (s).

    Generally speaking, employer placements start towards the end of the year or early in the New Year. Mencap has access to a wide range of employers from many sectors, with a broad range of employee sizes. There were a number of national and local hospitality providers, but there were also care homes, garden centres, supermarkets, charity shops and NHS employers.

    In 2021/2022, 161 young people with learning disabilities and autism were recruited to the programme and 144 completed the programme.

    During the Evaluation Phase of the research in 2022, Mencap’s employment programmes were inspected by OFSTED, with an overall grade of Requires Improvement. The SI programme is funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and Local Authority contributions to support the implementation of Education Health and Care Plans. These Plans set out what the Local Authorities’ expectations are for each learner on the SI programme, and the outcomes they expect the programme to deliver.

  • BB2C High School Internship Program

    BB2C High School Internship Program

    “In Appalachian Ohio, a grassroots group of citizens across industry sectors have convened to use community assets to create solutions impacting multiple parts of the community system, thus attempting to solve complex rural problems in innovative ways. One intermediary organization, Building Bridges to Careers (BB2C), has implemented community and career connected learning programs as a way to solve
    problems threatening rural community viability through engaging multiple community stakeholders including the community’s youth.”In Appalachian Ohio, a grassroots group of citizens across industry sectors have convened to use community assets to create solutions impacting multiple parts of the community system, thus attempting to solve complex rural problems in innovative ways. One intermediary organization, Building Bridges to Careers (BB2C), has implemented community and career connected learning programs as a way to solve problems threatening rural community viability through engaging multiple community stakeholders including the community’s youth.

    Using focus groups and survey methods, this study investigated the contributions and the impact of stakeholders of one community and career connected learning program: high school internships. The place-based, cross-sector, bidirectional interactions facilitated by community and career connected learning created a learning ecosystem through the high school internship program; a complex system with many stakeholders and impacts. Using Social Return on Investment (SROI) to quantify impact within
    the learning ecosystem to communicate and maximize change afforded BB2C the opportunity to capture impact to multiple stakeholder groups in the voice of those stakeholders, to make decisions around impact, and to communicate impact to diverse audiences.”

  • Social Impact Assessment Report on the Idea Maker Program

    Social Impact Assessment Report on the Idea Maker Program

    Idea Maker Program is a social innovation project organised by Idea Maker HK to train underprivileged youth to become tutors to educate children about STEM knowledge. Part of their program will be especially organised for underprivileged children through collaboration with social service organisations in Hong Kong.

    This report is to evaluate the social impact of the self-financing part of the Idea Maker Program generated by Idea Maker HK from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021 for their management’s understanding of the impact of the program.

    We adopted the Social Value Analysis methodology according to “A Guide to Social Return on Investment” (2012 edition) and used the “eight principles” as guiding principles throughout the assessment process.

    Through the assessment process, we concluded that the SROI of the project is 2.2, ranging from 1.3 to 3.2. In other words, Idea Maker HK invested HK$645,000 in the program and generated around HK$1.4 million in social and financial return, ranging from HK$ 856,657 to HK$ 2,093,615. The average impact score for the stakeholders is 3.9 on a 0-10 scale, showing a medium impact for the stakeholders on average.

  • CPC Corporation, Taiwan “Slow-Flying Angels” SROI Report

    CPC Corporation, Taiwan “Slow-Flying Angels” SROI Report

    “This analysis mainly focuses on the “Pre–job training and Matchmaking“ and “Slow–Flying Angel Service” of the Slow–Flying Angels Gas Station Project. From basic refuel, being checkout staffs, car wash service, sanitation, and cleaning of public toilets, and even making a cup of coffee for visitors, the Angels achieve their goals step by step. CPC teaches Angels according to their aptitude. In the era of technology that pursues fast efficiency, it creates a friendly learning and workplace for Angels. It creates a unique “ Kindness Gas Station counsellor system “ in Taiwan, combining the careful training of the station managers on duty and the guidance of the counsellors affiliated to cooperative social welfare organizations, using the speed familiar to the angels to stimulate their perseverance, transforming it into the professional spirit, and provide the angels with a friendly environment with slow learning and careful work. The performance of colleagues with Slow–Flying Angels is often praised by mentors, peer, and consumers, inspiring the Slow–Flying Angels to display their characteristics and skills to become experts in workplace.”

    “The results of the analysis show that the overall SROI value of “ Slow–Flying Angels Gas Station Project ” of CPC is 6.9, which means that an average investment of 1 NTD will generate a social benefit of 6.9 NTD. According to the distribution of SROI benefits, CPC (enterprise), managers of Slow–Flying Angel gas station (station managers, deputy station managers), staff of Slow–Flying Angel gas station, project personnel of social welfare agencies teachers, family members of Slow–Flying Angels and Slow–Flying Angels are the main beneficiary of the project. Through the Slow–Flying Angels Gas Station Project, CPC has effectively enhanced the perception of external stakeholders on CPC and promoted its image. Through the concept of “Kindness Gas Station”, CPC provided the Slow–Flying Angels with stable employment opportunities and helped them build professional skills which also have a positive impact on society.”

  • Istanbul Grand Airport (iGA) Social Investment Program SROI Analysis

    Istanbul Grand Airport (iGA) Social Investment Program SROI Analysis

    “iGA’s Social Investment Program, aims to increase the livelihood of the nine adjacent neighbourhoods around Istanbul Airport through meaningful and reliable relationships, based on transparent, timely information supply and open dialogue. The Social Investment Program is carried out in two components; rapid impact projects aimed at meeting basic needs and capacity building, and long-term, tangible-output and income-generating projects through sustainable activities.

    With the Social Investment Program, iGA’s priorities are;
    • Determining the socio-economic structure in the neighbourhood academically and impartially,
    • Designing and executing projects in concrete, effective, egalitarian manner,
    • Creating an uninterrupted, reliable and impartial communication channel with local people,
    • Implementing original projects that set an example for other organisations,
    • Ensuring effective stakeholder management and participation in order to strengthen ownership, responsibility-sharing and co-financing of the activities,
    • Ensuring that activities comply with the IFC Performance Standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well as with national requirements.

    Within the scope of the program, iGA implemented 4 main activities and 1 sub activity of iGA Social Investment Program between 2017 and 2021.

    The program’s focus is under two pillars:
    1- Regional development
    2- Upcycling & Recycling

    This report elaborates on the social change realised through projects implemented and stakeholder dialogue generated by use of SROI. iGA aims to contribute to the sustainable development of settlements around the airport. The Social Investment Program consists of different activities that are designed for different segments of the stakeholders. Local people are the main beneficiary of the Program and segmented further under two groups;
    (1) Local women and (2) Local young people.

    The analysis time period covers 2017 to 2021 since each activity started in different years.”

  • 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.“

  • Evaluación del valor social del programa Generando Futuro

    Evaluación del valor social del programa Generando Futuro

    “El objetivo de este informe era responder a la pregunta: ¿Cuál es el Retorno Social de la Inversión (SROI) de involucrar a 288 adolescentes en un programa de formación e inserción laboral) en España?

    La Asociación Norte Joven se fundó hace 36 años para promover el desarrollo personal y la integración social y laboral de personas en situación de desventaja social, principalmente jóvenes, ofreciendo educación y formación, promoviendo el acceso al empleo y sensibilizando a la sociedad.

    La organización lleva a cabo varias iniciativas relacionadas con la oferta de alternativas formativas a quienes, por razones personales, sociales y/o económicas, encuentran más barreras para su inclusión social e integración laboral. Para prevenir los altos niveles actuales de desempleo juvenil, Norte Joven promueve diferentes líneas de intervención: planes de formación integral y a medida, atención a menores, integración social para migrantes, solicitantes de asilo, refugiados y trabajo en red.

    Los cambios expresados en el informe SROI sobre el programa “Generando Futuro” pretenden poner en valor el cambio y evidenciar su importancia utilizando variables económicas, que van más allá de otros sistemas.  El SROI es una herramienta vital que debería formar parte de cualquier proceso de toma de decisiones sobre programas sociales y/o inversiones.

    El análisis se desarrolló para este programa en particular, pero la metodología (SROI) podría aplicarse a cualquier otro programa gestionado por la organización.

    La mayoría de las partes interesadas que participaron en el programa experimentaron resultados muy valiosos. Utilizando los principios del SROI, este análisis constató que el ratio de rentabilidad social se calculó en 2,28 euros por cada euro invertido. El análisis de sensibilidad reveló que el retorno social probablemente aparece en un rango entre 1,47 y 4,40 euros.

    El análisis se desarrolló para este programa, pero la metodología (SROI) podría aplicarse a cualquier otro programa gestionado por la organización.

    El SROI se centra en medir “qué cambia” como cambio de la actividad financiada y gestionada por la Asociación Norte Joven. En este proyecto, se identificaron 769 personas como encuestados y se agruparon en diferentes grupos de interés para participar en el análisis. Los impactos producidos por el programa se han estudiado en detalle para registrar y medir el valor percibido sin juzgar los cambios.”

  • A Social Value Evaluation of the Program: “Generating Future by Connecting Training to Employment”

    A Social Value Evaluation of the Program: “Generating Future by Connecting Training to Employment”

    “The aim of this report was to answer the question: What is the Social Return on Investment (SROI) of engaging 288 teenagers in a training and job placement program) in Spain.

    The Norte Joven Association was founded 36 years ago to promote the personal development and social and labor integration of people in social disadvantage, mainly young people, by offering education and training, promoting access to employment, and raising social awareness.

    The organization runs several initiatives related to offering training alternatives to those who, for personal, social, and/or economic reasons, encounter more barriers to their social inclusion and labor integration. To prevent the current high levels of youth unemployment, Norte Joven promotes different lines of intervention: holistic and tailored training plans, care for minors, social integration for immigrants, asylum applicants, refugees, and networking.

    The results shown in the report for the “Generating Future by Connecting Training to Employment” program go beyond the value captured in other social impact measurements, as it intends to put a financial value to the outcomes identified by the stakeholders. SROI is a vital tool that should be part of any decision-making process related to social programs or/and investments.

    Most stakeholders who engaged in program experienced highly valuable outcomes. Using the principles of SROI, this analysis found that the social return ratio was calculated at €2.28 for every €1.00 invested. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the social return likely appears in a range between €1.47 and to €4.40.

    The analysis was developed for this program but the methodology (SROI) could be applied to any other program run by the organization.

    SROI focuses on measuring “what changes” as a result of the activity financed and managed by the Norte Joven Association. In this project, 760 people were identified as respondents and grouped into different stakeholder groups to be involved in the analysis. The changes (impacts) brought about by the program have been studied in detail to record and measure the perceived value without judging the outcomes.”