Measuring social impact (MSI) is emerging as a key component in today’s social economy. The capture and analysis of the impact you make is a crucial means to improving the performance of your project, initiative or venture.
It directly affects your key stakeholders including staff, (efficiency, resources and inspiration), clients or participants (influence, encouragement, participation and transformation) and funders (existing reporting requirements and further funding opportunities). As well as tapping into marketing and communication strategies and materials.
Understanding the scope of the impact of any social change can be as complex and intricate as comprehending the ripples reverberating outwards from a stone dropped in a pond. Mindful of this complexity, we employ creativity, experience and a can-do attitude to provide a solid baseline for understanding the impact generated. As a baseline, we gather data for the purpose of learning (rather than just evaluation).
We specialise in implementing grassroots approaches customised to suit the needs of particular target groups and focus on data that is captured ‘through the eyes of the beholder’: the participants or clients themselves.
We find that it is essential that the research conducted is not an addition to the project, initiative or venture. Rather, it is interwoven throughout the project. Emphasis is placed on deriving qualitative and formative data both on an individual level and as a group.
Importantly, we believe that research and MSI are not just for academics. Everyone can do it, providing you’re down with the know-how and are equipped with the right set of tools.
One-off evaluations:
We can conduct one-off evaluations for events, conferences, festivals, training or workshops, or program specific evaluations.
Instruments are applied at different stages; before, during and after. This approach provides a longitudinal perspective, critical to comprehending any impacts of the project.
Workshops:
During our MSI workshops, we provide a thorough introduction to basic research methods and impact assessments. It is a tailored and customised space for reflection and refinement where participants begin to form their own impact assessment plan.
In addition, with a four week period to ‘marinate’, we offer each participant a 20 minute one-on-one follow up session with the facilitator. These sessions are designed to help you further develop your freshly acquired skills and transform your knowledge into action.
These workshops are offered on a demand basis and can be personalised to be delivered at your organisation for your staff only.
Systematic implementations:
With ‘systematic’ we refer to the MSI process as being embedded at the core of the organisation or on-going program. This way, you allow for innovation as it is ever changing yet consistent evaluation for comparison.
We apply an evidence based social innovation cycle; a structure where there is no development without research, and no research without development:
MSI workshop reviews:
“I enjoyed just catching up on the new stuff because, like a lot of people in this sector, we don’t have a lot of time and to keep up with the inventors who spend their time inventing and are actually doing it, if I could say that. It’s been really good to have that opportunity to catch up with the buzz.”
Sioux Christians, Connecting Up Australia
“I’ve found the environment stimulating, I’ve found the company very pleasant, the food has been great, the facilitation has been excellent.”
Ross Bensley, Community Partnerships @ Work
“It’s quite refreshing to come to a place and be in a seminar workshop environment that is in a place like this and with food like that. I think people know what I mean. What I mean is it’s an unconventional setting in the both regards.”
Narelle Walker, University of South Australia
