An essential checklist for your social value reporting
This past month, we took a deep dive into your social value reporting. First, we identified 5 quick ways to create more impactful reports. Then we looked at how to ensure you’re collecting and evaluating the most valuable data possible. And today, to round it all off, we’ve put together a quick and easy checklist to help you take stock of where your reporting is currently and identify any places for improvement in the future.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to social value measurement. What your reports demand will vary depending on the nature of your business, its social value strategy, and who you’re reporting to. But, despite all these variables, there are definitely some hard and safe rules worth sticking by. That’s why we’ve created this social value reporting checklist.
Simply choose the option which matches your situation most for the following statements and keep track of how many of each you accumulate.
Let’s jump in!
1) You have processes in place to capture and evaluate both quantitative and qualitative data to present in your reports.
A) Strongly agree
B) Agree
C) Neither agree nor disagree
D) Disagree
2) While you use your reports to evidence impact to investors and stakeholders etc, you also use them internally to monitor progress, celebrate success, and inform future decision-making.
A) Strongly agree
B) Agree
C) Neither agree nor disagree
D) Disagree
3) Your reporting efforts focus on what’s proven to be important to your organisation – for example, your initiatives and reports are guided by a materiality matrix.
A) Strongly agree
B) Agree
C) Neither agree nor disagree
D) Disagree
4) You focus on quality over quantity with the data presented in your reports – if it doesn’t add specific value, it doesn’t make the cut.
A) Strongly agree
B) Agree
C) Neither agree nor disagree
D) Disagree
5) You take a longer view of your social impact by including follow-up data to past initiatives. For example, if your partnership with AKT helped 100 LGBTQ+ youths in 2019, in subsequent reports, you might focus on how a number of these individuals continue to benefit. Such as how many have secured stable employment or their own home since.
A) Strongly agree
B) Agree
C) Neither agree nor disagree
D) Disagree
6) While you recognise inputs and outputs throughout your measurement and evaluation, you also push further to uncover the more specific, nuanced outcomes as well.
A) Strongly agree
B) Agree
C) Neither agree nor disagree
D) Disagree
7) You take the time to recognise and acknowledge anything that’s missing from your reports and methodology. Data that perhaps was too difficult to capture or initiatives that had an adverse impact.
A) Strongly agree
B) Agree
C) Neither agree nor disagree
D) Disagree
8) You understand the importance of human stories for truly demonstrating the value your organisation adds to its beneficiaries.
A) Strongly agree
B) Agree
C) Neither agree nor disagree
D) Disagree
9) You share your reports with all staff to encourage greater engagement and passion about your organisation’s efforts and initiatives.
A) Strongly agree
B) Agree
C) Neither agree nor disagree
D) Disagree
10) At the heart of all your social value reporting, you prioritise improving real lives – after all, that’s what social value is all about.
A) Strongly agree
B) Agree
C) Neither agree nor disagree
D) Disagree
Results
If you answered mostly A: Your organisation’s social value reporting is hitting the right note. Your priorities are in the right place and now it’s about identifying ways to go even further – such as collecting more qualitative data or revisiting your materiality matrix more often to keep up with the changing times.
If you answered mostly B: Your social value reporting is on good ground, but there are still some notable areas for improvement. Now’s the time to move from good to great. Any statements you gave a C or D for will be the perfect place to start when looking to take your reporting to the next level.
If you answered mostly C: Your organisation may still be finding its stride with social value reporting, but you’re certainly on the right track. The above 10 statements offer some great places to start when strengthening your processes and methodology over the coming months.
If you answered mostly D: Perhaps you’re new to the social value reporting game or simply haven’t previously had the time and resources needed to make significant progress. Either way, hopefully the above statements have highlighted what to aim for when it comes to your reporting.
Conclusion
No matter where your organisation is at with its social value measuring, there will always be room for improvement. And as the social value, sustainability, and CSR landscapes change, so too will what is expected of our reports.
But so long as your organisation remains open to improving its processes and methods and focuses on what social value is all about – helping people – you’ll find even more opportunities for making an impact will shine through.
The Impact platform makes for easy measurement and evaluation of your social impact data. From intelligent survey capabilities to real-time dashboards and simple report generation, we help your organisation push what you can achieve. If you want to find out more, or want advice on implementing a CSR strategy, get in touch on 0161 532 4752.