Measuring and Reporting Social Value: Tools and Frameworks
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📘 Blog 5 of 7 in our Social Value & Net Zero Series
Measuring and Reporting Social Value: Tools and Frameworks
Links to all 7 blogs in this series are at the bottom of this post.
📊 Evidence Wins Tenders
Commissioners reward verifiable social value. Frameworks like TOMs (Themes, Outcomes, Measures) and SROI (Social Return on Investment) help convert activity into credible numbers. The goal isn’t just counting — it’s showing outcomes and learning.
🧰 Choose Your Framework
- TOMs: map commitments to standardised measures (e.g., # apprentices; CO₂ reduced).
- SROI: monetises social outcomes using proxies (e.g., reduced loneliness ➜ NHS cost avoidance).
- Hybrid: TOMs for consistency + a few tailored KPIs for local priorities.
📥 Data Collection That Works
- Define baselines: current CO₂, paper use, apprentices, SME spend.
- Automate where possible: e-rostering/eMAR exports; telematics; supplier reports.
- Governance cadence: monthly ops review ➜ quarterly board/public summary (“you said, we did”).
Lock this into a short reporting SOP and reference it in method statements. If needed, refine language via tender proofreading.
💡 Example Reporting Snapshot
Q2 Highlights: 2 apprentices started (1 retained into permanent role), -12% paper vs. baseline, 18% of non-clinical spend with local SMEs, 9 digital inclusion sessions delivered (avg. satisfaction 4.6/5).
🧪 Common Pitfalls
- Counting activities not outcomes (e.g., “sessions delivered” vs. “confidence improved”).
- No baseline/target — makes progress hard to verify.
- Reporting quarterly only, with no monthly operational checks.
📚 Catch up on the full Social Value & Net Zero Series:
- 📘 Why Social Value Matters in Social Care Tenders
- 🧭 The NHS Social Value Model: What Providers Must Know
- 🌱 Net Zero in Practice: Turning Promises into Action
- 👥 Community Benefits: Employment, Volunteering, and Skills
- 📊 Measuring and Reporting Social Value: Tools and Frameworks
- 🏛️ Embedding Social Value in Everyday Service Delivery
- 📄 Evidencing Social Value and Net Zero in Tenders & Inspections