Measuring and Reporting Social Value: Tools and Frameworks

September 11, 2025

📘 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”).

💡 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.

💼 Rapid Support Products (fast turnaround options)

⚡ 48-Hour Tender Triage
🆘 Bid Rescue Session – 60 minutes
✍️ Score Booster – Tender Answer Rewrite
🧩 Tender Answer Blueprint
📝 Tender Proofreading & Light Editing
🔍 Pre-Tender Readiness Audit
📁 Tender Document Review

🚀 Need a Bid Writing Quote?

If you’re exploring support for an upcoming tender or framework, request a quick, no-obligation quote. I’ll review your documents and respond with: