Login

The Social Value Tea: Week of March 24, 2025

25/03/2025

Hello! đź‘‹

Nil here from Impact Reporting. Rather than a boring newsletter, I’ve decided to revamp this to be a curated list of news, updates, key achievements, job openings and upcoming events that matter in the world of social value and impact.

I’ll keep it short, sharp, and insightful, so you get what you need in minutes. Scroll down for this week’s must-know updates, and let us know what you think!

News news!

  • UK Government Announces Major Disability Benefit Reforms
    The UK government has announced significant reforms to disability benefits, including cuts to Personal Independence Payments (PIP). These changes aim to incentivise work and reduce public spending but have raised concerns about their impact on vulnerable populations. 
  • Tunnel Vision on growth by Government threatening return to work: 
    New analysis reveals the Government’s focus on economic growth alone risks creating a “prosperity postcode lottery” that won’t deliver the jobs needed across the country to get people out of the welfare system and into work. The Social Productivity Index, compiled by UKHospitality using ONS data, shows that the most economically productive sectors deliver the least social value.
  • B Corp-Certified SMEs Experience Significant Revenue Growth
    Data from B Lab UK reveals that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) certified as B Corps saw a 23.2% increase in revenues in 2023-2024, compared to the national average of 16.8%. This suggests that a commitment to social and environmental causes can positively impact business performance.
  • Rise of Ethical ISAs to Support Environmental Initiatives
    Investing in companies with strong Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices through Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) is gaining popularity among UK investors, according to The Times. This trend reflects a growing commitment to aligning personal finance with environmental sustainability goals.
  • Sport and Physical Activity Generate Over ÂŁ100 Billion in Social Value
    New research calculates that community sport and physical activity in England generate an annual social value of ÂŁ107.2 billion. This includes significant health and social care savings, emphasising the importance of physical activity in societal well-being.
  • WISE100 Women in Social Enterprise Awards 2025 Finalists announced
    The WISE100 Awards, organised by Pioneers Post in partnership with NatWest Social & Community Capital, honour inspiring women leading the UK’s social enterprise movement. This year’s finalists include notable figures such as Olympic badminton player Kirsty Gilmour as well as our own Catherine Manning, reflecting the diverse talents driving positive social change.  

Caught our eye…

Understanding the New Procurement Act

Whilst there are plenty of articles on the implications of the new Procurement Act, this one in particular by Prudence Wales from Stantec concisely summarises what’s happening and what you need to know.

What I wish I knew when I started out in Social Value

An oldie but a goodie, some great advice from Louise Griffiths at Samtaler. She reflects on her journey in social value, and name checks some good networking opportunities that helped shape her career.

Stepping up on social value measurement in 2025

Catherine Manning from Impact Reporting outlines eight key considerations in social value measurement, like the importance of context, evidence and stakeholder engagement.

Celebrating outcomes

Libraries Unlimited’s 54 libraries in Devon and Torbay generated ÂŁ23.9 million in social value during 2023/24, reflecting their significant community impact. Notable initiatives include ‘Bounce & Rhyme’ sessions for young children, the ‘Creative Communities’ programme delivering imaginative events and artworks, and ‘The Secret Book Quest’, engaging over 2,700 children in reading challenges. 

Read story

First Bus Rochdale recently produced its first 12-month Social Value Impact Report, showcasing the difference they’re making in Rochdale and across Greater Manchester. Highlights include:
• Created new apprenticeship opportunities and provided 15 weeks of work experience
• Delivered 220+ hours of school and college engagement, including careers talks, site visits and mock interviews
• Donated over £7,000 to charities and community organisations
• Contributed 100+ hours of staff volunteering to local causes
• Collaborated with inspiring organisations and charities

Read more

Who’s hiring?

MeasureUp’s corner

Giving to others: How to convert your money into greater happiness for others

Jon Clifton, CEO of Gallup, said: â€śHappiness isn’t just about wealth or growth — it’s about trust, connection and knowing people have your back. This year’s report proves we underestimate how kind the world really is. If we want stronger communities and economies, we must invest in what truly matters: each other.”

We’re thrilled to see MeasureUp partner State of Life‘s work on the wellbeing value of charities, including a case study of parkrun, featured in the most recent World Happiness Report, in a chapter discussing how donations to charity convert into wellbeing. It’s great to see the WELLBY as a measure of  social value being recognised in this way.

Where to be

What we’re loving outside of work…

  • Watching: I’m only an episode in, but so far Adolescence is addictive and immersive. Can’t wait to watch more.
  • Eating: Sally’s Baking Addiction has never steered me wrong, I would highly recommend her chocolate chip cookies! 
  • Improving: Shout out to our co-founder Matt Haworth for introducing us to SeatFrog, a great way to bid for first class train tickets. 

Want to get this news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our newsletter.

About the author

Nil Khalifa

Nil is the Director of Growth and Marketing at Impact Reporting, overseeing sales, branding, digital, content strategy, product marketing, public relations, advertising, and social media. An entrepreneurial marketing leader, she has a track record of propelling companies into next stages of growth with her expertise in b2b SaaS, growth marketing, content creation and brand identity. Nil joined Impact Reporting to help make the world a better place. Nil originally hails from the US and holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations and Sociology from Boston University.

Book a demo

Ready to take a tour of our product?

We'd love to show you how to simplify and amplify your social impact!

Book a 1:1 demo

Latest posts