DOLLARS + SENSE: MEASURING SOCIAL IMPACT + SOCIAL RETURN ON INVESTMENT
Recent government announcements have highlighted the use of social impact methods, such as Social Impact Assessments (SIAs) and Social Return on Investment Analysis (SROIs), to gauge the effectiveness of policies, campaigns, and social initiatives. Understanding the intended impact, mechanisms behind them, and how to substantiate these changes is crucial.
Choosing the right measures and standardising methods—such as monetising selected metrics, using evaluation rubrics, and developing case studies—is essential for an accurate assessment. A well-conducted analysis supports future policy development and social investment by preventing the adverse effects of poor evaluations.
This webinar will provide a foundational understanding of social impact measurement, its applications, what constitutes a robust social impact assessment, and how it can guide evidence-based decision-making in policy development and implementation.
What’s on the agenda:
- Importance of Measuring Social Impact: Explore its significance across the public, private, and NGO sectors.
- Ingredients for Measuring Social Impact & Social Return on Investment Assessments: Key components needed for effective assessment.
- Quantitative Methods + Our Tips: Dive into the metrics, methodologies and our tips for completing an SIA or SROI.
- Emerging Trends: Stay updated with the latest in SIA and SROI’s.
- Live Q+A: Have your questions answered in real-time.
Who should watch:
This video is ideal for individuals of all experience levels working within the government, NGO, or private sectors, seeking insights into social impact measurement and Social Return on Investment.
About the Experts
Fiona Scott-Melton:
Fiona is an expert in research evaluations and performance audits across multiple sectors, including health and social development. She has applied wellbeing models to guide organisations in achieving their desired outcomes.
Jason Carpenter:
Jason is a senior consultant with deep expertise in economic analyses and policy development. He has led cost-benefit analyses and regulatory impact assessments, significantly influencing policy decisions in New Zealand and Australia.
Brendan Stevenson:
Brendan is a seasoned researcher and evaluator with extensive experience in Māori health, mental wellbeing, and public health. He has led large-scale evaluations and developed frameworks to improve health outcomes across diverse communities in New Zealand.
Downloadable Resource
Guide to Social Return on Investment (SROI)
In this guide the team provide their process, tips and example Theory of Change to help you complete your own SROISecond Downloadable Resource
Example Spreadsheet - Social Return on Investment (SROI)
Download the example CBA and SROI calculations demonstrated in the discussion and see how you can do it yourself!Coming up
Restream + Live Q&A | Credible Evaluations: Balancing Resourcing and Accurate Insights
Date: Thursday 11 September 2025 | 12:10-12:55 p.m. NZST | 10:10-10:55 a.m. AEST
In an era where the competing priorities of understanding what drives policy, program, and service success—or lack thereof—and reduced evaluation resources prevail, how can you maintain the integrity and impact of your evaluations?
In this webinar, our evaluation veterans will discuss how to deliver 'the Toyota' of evaluations, as opposed to 'the Ferrari', by focusing on the fundamentals of credible evaluation within your context. They'll explore the delicate balance of making necessary compromises while avoiding detrimental ones, including strategies for scenarios where there simply isn’t enough capacity to deliver your evaluation work program.
