Social Return On Investment Research Articles

Social value framing of physical activity in European Member State policies: a content analysis.

Engagement in physical activity (PA) benefits physical and mental health as well as many other areas of society. In Europe however, 1/3 adults do not meet minimum PA recommendations. Social value, and its quantification through social return on investment (SROI) evidence, may be a useful framing to enhance PA promotion. This study aimed to assess the current use of social value framing of PA in European Union (EU) policies. Content analysis of 45 EU member state policies which contain reference to PA was conducted to evaluate the presence of five social value domains and SROI evidence. Data was analysed using manual inductive coding, supported by DeepL translation and NVivo tools. Social value framing was present to a certain extent in existing policies, with improved health being the most commonly referenced benefit of PA, followed by reference to social and community and then environmental benefits. Acknowledgement of the positive impacts of PA on wellbeing and education was the least present. Reference to SROI evidence was also limited. Generally, policies lacked holistic recognition of the social value of PA. Policies from the health sector were particularly limited in recognising the wider benefits of PA, whilst those from the environmental sector acknowledged the widest range of co-benefits. Adopting social value framing could be a useful approach for enhancing PA promotion. Whilst it is present to a certain extent in existing policy, this could be increased in terms of comprehensiveness to increase issue salience and multisectoral policy action.

"Connect Local": protocol for the evaluation of a codesigned whole of community approach to promote social connection in older adults.

There is wide acknowledgement in the literature that social connection is protective against loneliness and depression. More robust research, however, is needed to evaluate interventions that promote social connection. This protocol paper outlines the evaluation of a community-wide social connection program, Connect Local, in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia to support people 65 years and older to increase access to local community services/activities; and to ascertain impact on social connection, loneliness, depressive symptoms, physical and mental wellbeing, and use of health services. A Type 1 Hybrid design, including program effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and implementation evaluation of the Connect Local program, will be undertaken. Eighty-eight participants aged ≥65 years with one or more chronic health condition, who are also either experiencing or at risk of loneliness, social isolation and depressive symptoms will be invited to participate in the evaluation. Outcomes, measured at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months, include loneliness, social isolation, depressive symptoms, social anxiety, goal attainment, wellbeing, quality of life and health care utilisation. A gender and age matched comparator group of 88 individuals will be recruited from outside the intervention local government area. Impact of the intervention on community service providers in the target region will be evaluated using mixed methods, where triangulation will be used to combine the qualitative and quantitative data using a deductive-simultaneous design. Changes in wellbeing and quality of life of community volunteers will also be measured. All groups will be interviewed to ascertain their experience and perceptions of the program. The economic evaluation will use a Social Return on Investment (SROI) approach, to include outcomes at the individual, community, and system levels. Implementation outcomes will consider Reach, Adoption, Feasibility, Acceptability, Appropriateness, Fidelity, and Sustainability of the intervention. This study will provide a better understanding of the impacts of a community-wide social connection approach in older adults, the community and broader system. https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=385192; Identifier ACTRN12623000968673.

Visionary Nature-Based Solutions Evaluated through Social Return on Investment: The Case Study of an Italian Urban Green Space

Cities are facing challenges in adaptation to, and mitigation of climate change. Urban Green Spaces (UGS) have a pivotal role in this transformative process and are almost always coupled with digital tools. The deployment of digital solutions, encompassing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the Internet of Things (IoT), seeks to increase awareness of UGS benefits across a wider range of users. This study is part of a Horizon 2020 project that aims to measure the social impact of Visionary Solutions (VS), i.e., combined Nature Based Solutions (NBSs) and Digital Solutions (DSs), in UGSs located in seven European cities. The project proposes a novel application of the Social Return on Investment (SROI) methodology to forecast the impact of VS implementation in the case of an Italian demonstration. The three main objectives are: (i) establishing a causal chain for transformation through the Theory of Change (ToC) tool; (ii) quantifying the expected change by developing two monetary alternatives; and (iii) comparing these alternatives to assess which is more influential in stakeholders’ decision-making. The authors reviewed a range of financial proxies of social outcomes from other SROI case studies. The result of the Italian demonstration is that, for each euro invested in project solutions, two euros of social return are generated. The analysis reveals these monetized intangible outcomes.

Consensus on a social return on investment model of physical activity and sport: a Delphi study protocol.

Physical activity and sport (PAS) have been related to many health outcomes and social benefits. The main aim of this research is to build a Social Return on Investment (SROI) model of PAS based on experts' opinion to clarify the domains of impact and how to measure and value them. A Delphi method will be employed with a systematic review on the SROI framework applied to PAS and initial interviews with experts informing the design of the Delphi survey statements. Three iterative rounds of communication with the expert panel will be carried out. Participants will indicate their level of agreement with each statement on a five-point Likert scale. During the second and third iterative rounds, experts will reappraise the statements and will be provided with a summary of the group responses from the panel. A statement will have reached consensus if ≥70% of the panel agree/strongly agree or disagree/strongly disagree after round 3. Finally, group meetings (3-4 experts) will be conducted to ask about the measurement and valuation methods for each domain. The final goal of this project will result in the design of a toolkit for organizations, professionals, and policymakers on how to measure the social benefits of PAS.

Social Return on Investment (SROI) from the Community Waste Bank Implementation under the Learning Center of Systematic Waste Management Innovation According to the Circular Economy Concept

This article presents the results of social return on investment (SROI) evaluation in the community’s waste bank program implemented in the Moo 7 and Moo 8 Villages of Tan Diao Subdistrict, Kaeng Khoi District, Saraburi Province during 2020–2022, which is a part of the Learning Centre of Systematic Waste Management Innovation According to the Concept of Circular Economy project. This research employed participatory action research to collect data on total cost for investment and income from selling recyclable waste through in-depth interviews and focus groups with a total of 40 stakeholders including: 25 community members, 5 community leaders, 3 representatives from Tan Diao Subdistrict Administrative Organization, 5 village health volunteers, and 2 private waste buyers. The SROI analysis of the Moo 7 and Moo 8 waste banks (2020–2022) by using the discount rate based on the government bond yield at 3% shows the total net present value at 106,166.60 Thai Baht (2,941.76 USD), a ratio of cost-benefit analysis at 12.74 times, the payback period at 4.7 months, and the SROI result is 2.65 Thai Baht (0.073 USD). In other words, for every 1 Thai Baht invested in the community waste banks during this period, the benefits generated were equivalent to 2.65 Thai Baht (0.073 USD). This translates to a positive return on investment. The contribution of community waste bank under the project, can significantly change in 1) community relations with an intensive engagement in community waste management, 2) economic perspective as it generates employment and income, and reduces transportation costs for landfilling, and 3) environment term, as it reduces household waste and waste disposal. The suggestions have been developed in terms of policies and action plans for community waste management together with local administrative organizations to develop Tan Diao Subdistrict as a model of waste management.

Analisis Social Return On Investment (SROI) Pada Program Entrepreneurship Workshop

Social Return on Investment (SROI) is a technique to measure the impact/benefit of a project or program. This study aims to analyze the impact of social investment from the implementation of the program, Entrepreneurship Workshop "Glinds Act - Global Minds, Local Impact: Transforming Education & Entrepreneurs". In this research, the type of data used is primary data. The analysis procedure used is the SROI analysis method using a stakeholder-focused approach, viewed from three aspects: economic, social, and environmental. The results showed that every Rp1 (one rupiah) invested in the Entrepreneurship Workshop "Glinds Act - Global Minds, Local Impact: Transforming Education & Entrepreneurs" will generate a social return of Rp. 38, 52 (thirty - eight point fifty - two rupiah). This ratio is quite high and promises a high return as well. Keywords: Social Return on Investment, CSV

Social Innovation for Sustainable Development

This study assesses the overall effects of the Menanti Laburan Tourism Park Programme from 2019 to 2023, with a particular focus on its financial, social, and environmental aspects. The study examines the program's contributions through the use of result mapping, financial assessments, and stakeholder analysis. An in-depth analysis is conducted on financial trends, sources of revenue, and the Social Return on Investment (SROI). The program's outreach is assessed by identifying stakeholder groups and evaluating their respective impacts. The Social Return on Investment (SROI) consistently rises from 1.06 to 4.01, indicating significant returns generated by the programme. Eighteen stakeholders, comprising local communities, companies, and governmental organisations, encounter diverse effects. The Padang Panjang Village Community is the main recipient, with a significant impact of 30.29%. A variety of revenue streams, such as ticket sales and partnerships, support the park's economic viability. The achieved Social Return on Investment (SROI), which is 4.01 and exceeds the intended objective, demonstrates the effectiveness.The Menanti Laburan Tourism Park demonstrates both financial viability and operates as an educational centre. The triple-loop learning paradigm emphasises its dedication to flexibility and long-term viability. This study offers a comprehensive comprehension of the program's triumph, providing significant discernments for community advancement and sustainable tourism methodologies.

Unveiling Transformation: A Social Return on Investment Evaluation of PT Adaro Indonesia's 'Menanti Laburan Tourism Park' CSR Programme (2019-2023)

This study assesses the overall effects of the Menanti Laburan Tourism Park Programme from 2019 to 2023, with a particular focus on its financial, social, and environmental aspects. The study examines the program's contributions through the use of result mapping, financial assessments, and stakeholder analysis. An in-depth analysis is conducted on financial trends, sources of revenue, and the Social Return on Investment (SROI). The program's outreach is assessed by identifying stakeholder groups and evaluating their respective impacts. The Social Return on Investment (SROI) consistently rises from 1.06 to 4.01, indicating significant returns generated by the programme. Eighteen stakeholders, comprising local communities, companies, and governmental organisations, encounter diverse effects. The Padang Panjang Village Community is the main recipient, with a significant impact of 30.29%. The park's economic sustainability is supported by a variety of financial streams, including ticket sales and collaborations. The effectiveness is evidenced by the attained Social Return on Investment (SROI) of 4.01, which exceeds the intended outcome. The Menanti Laburan Tourism Park demonstrates both financial viability and operates as an educational centre. The triple-loop learning paradigm emphasises its dedication to flexibility and long-term viability. This study offers a comprehensive comprehension of the program's triumph, providing significant discernments for community advancement and sustainable tourism methodologies.

Analisis ROI (Return on Social Investment) Program Tanggung Jawab Sosial Lingkungan PT PLN (Persero): Upaya Pemberdayaan Wanita Difable melalui Pelatihan Pembuatan Batik Bekerja Sama dengan Rumah Batik Berkah Jambi

People who have disabilities, both physical and mental, are an essential component of society. And by providing support or opportunities for them, they can help create social equality and inclusion. People with disabilities are often associated with a physical identity, leading to stereotypes about their abilities, which can lead to discrimination. The Batik training program for people with disabilities is an initiative that can help improve skills, encourage social inclusion, increase empowerment, and provide employment opportunities. Measuring the value of benefits relative to investment costs used in efforts to empower disabled Women through Batik training in collaboration with House of Batik Berkah Jambi. The evaluation recommends using the Social Return on Investment (SROI) method. The return on social investment method can help measure business performance. The social performance of an ongoing SROI is considered appropriate for understanding impact investing (investment activities that aim to create a social impact), such as activities funded from the company's TJSL funds, which are expected to create a social impact on the community, especially the company's local community. The method of implementing the activities used is qualitative research because this activity is exploratory, descriptive research. Sources were selected using a purposive sampling technique. For SROI evaluation, According to the guidelines issued by the SROI Network UK organization, this research must examine six (six) stages of the SROI analysis method. These stages will include the 2023 SROI empowerment analysis disable program results, providing an SROI value of 2.47 with criteria worth pursuing. This means that PT PLN (Persero) UID S2JB generates a profitable social impact and produces a high SROI ratio.

Applying of Social Return on Investment (SROI): A Practical Review to Financial Social Value and Benefits

The objective of the study is to analyze a Social Return on Investment method for companies. Data were collected from scientific publications from 2007 to 2022 and selected based on previous studies. The main principle is to explore, review, and formulate the benefits and contributions of all research, as well as the application of various types of SROI. The methodology resulted in 13 articles that identified the social values and benefits of SROI over the last decade. The results obtained in this paper were reviewed using tables for advanced analysis. Additionally, this study presents qualitative results and investigates methodical publications that have had a significant impact on the company.

The social return on investment of physical activity and nutrition interventions-a scoping review.

Scarcity of resources and mounting pressures on health systems make it critical to evaluate new and existing public health interventions related to physical activity and nutrition. The Social Return on Investment (SROI) framework has gained prominence for capturing traditional variables such as economic costs and returns, as well as wider beneficial social and environmental outcomes. A scoping review was conducted to present the existing evidence on the SROI of physical activity and nutrition interventions, demonstrating the wider benefits of these interventions. Existing peer-reviewed evidence and grey literature was collated to identify physical activity and nutrition interventions that were evaluated using the SROI framework between January 1996 up until February 2022. Only literature published in the English language, interventions that were conducted in high-income countries were considered for inclusion. Study information and economic data was entered into a pre-prepared data extraction sheet and eligible studies were quality assessed using a 12-point quality assessment framework for SROI studies. This review identified a total of 21 SROI studies, with only four deriving from peer-reviewed literature sources. In total, 18 studies evaluated physical activity interventions, one study was purely focused on nutrition, whereas the two remaining studies presented a mix of physical activity and nutrition. The majority of studies derived from the United Kingdom (n = 16) with very few of the studies published prior to 2010 (n = 1). In total, four studies were classified as low quality based on the 12-point quality assessment framework used for this review. Outcomes of the relevant studies show that the benefits of these interventions have added value to families, communities and the wider environments of the target groups. This scoping review is adding to research conducted to understand the wider value of public health interventions such as physical activity and nutrition interventions using the SROI framework. This is important so that the development and implementation of public health interventions have the greatest value to people and society, which also benefits decision-makers to effectively and sustainably allocate scarce resources.

RCT-based Social Return on Investment (SROI) of a Home Exercise Program for People With Early Dementia Comparing In-Person and Blended Delivery Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Regular exercise and community engagement may slow the rate of function loss for people with dementia. However, the evidence is uncertain regarding the cost-effectiveness and social return on investment (SROI) of home exercise with community referral for people with dementia. This study aimed to compare the social value generated from the in-person PrAISED program delivered before March 2020 with a blended PrAISED program delivered after March 2020. SROI methodology compared in-person and blended delivery formats of a home exercise program. Stakeholders were identified, a logic model was developed, outcomes were evidenced and valued, costs were calculated, and SROI ratios were estimated. Five relevant and material outcomes were identified: 3 outcomes for patient participants (fear of falling, health-related quality of life, and social connection); 1 outcome for carer participants (carer strain), and 1 outcome for the National Health Service (NHS) (health service resource use). Data were collected at baseline and at 12-month follow-up. The in-person PrAISED program generated SROI ratios ranging from £0.58 to £2.33 for every £1 invested. In-person PrAISED patient participants gained social value from improved health-related quality of life, social connection, and less fear of falling. In-person PrAISED carer participants acquired social value from less carer strain. The NHS gained benefit from less health care service resource use. However, the blended PrAISED program generated lower SROI ratios ranging from a negative ratio to £0.08:£1. Compared with the blended program, the PrAISED in-person program generated higher SROI ratios for people with early dementia. An in-person PrAISED intervention with community referral is likely to provide better value for money than a blended one with limited community referral, despite the greater costs of the former.Trial registration: ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN15320670.

Towards a Healthier Boyolali Community: The Social Return on Investment (SROI) on the Family Care Health Optimization Service Program (Yok Peka)

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Fuel Terminal (FT) Boyolali, commonly referred to as FT Boyolali, is a fuel terminal that is part of the leading lubricant company in Indonesia, namely PT Pertamina Lubricants. FT Boyolali has several Corporate Social Innovation (CSI) programs spread across the company’s closest area, including Teras District, in Boyolali Regency. The program entitled Yok Peka is a form of Social Innovation carried out by FT Boyolali to address social problems to prevent and deal with health cases in pregnant women and toddlers in Boyolali Regency, especially cases of stunting and cases of Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) pregnant women. Apart from that, this program also supports the formation of economic empowerment of health cadres and the community to balance health standards with improving the community's economy. The effectiveness of the CSI Yok Peka program is measured using the social return on investment (SROI) method to determine the output and outcomes felt by various stakeholders and also to determine the comparison (ratio) between investment and benefits quantitatively. SROI is a method companies can use to measure the return on business investment for a program or social activity carried out using a financial quantification (monetization) calculation approach. The results of the SROI analysis of the Yok Peka program in the period 2020 to 2022 show a benefit value of IDR 635.799.963 compared to an investment value of IDR 165.650,000. In other words, every investment of IDR 1 in the Yok Peka program can produce benefits of IDR 3.84 (SROI = 1: 3.84).

Analisis Dampak Sosial Dan Ekonomi Pada Program Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Berbasis Sumber Daya

This study aims to analyze the social and economic impact of resource-based community empowerment programs. The program, which was initiated by a company in Kalimantan, utilizes and develops the potential of weaving as local wisdom through corporate social responsibility activities. The social and economic impact is manifested in the form of community satisfaction as beneficiaries of the program. Community satisfaction is assumed to be the success of the program and providing social and economic impact to the beneficiaries. This research uses quantitative methods. Data was collected by interviewing the overall beneficiaries of the program, a total of 23 people. Data collection using purposive sampling techniques. The data analysis technique uses a simple average value by comparing the weighted value and the weighted value so that a percentage of the satisfaction value is obtained. The next analysis technique is servqual analysis, which is to compare the value of expectations and the value of reality of criteria. The results showed that beneficiaries felt the social and economic impact of the resource-based community empowerment program with a value of 4.90 or 97.95%. This research is only able to analyze simple social and economic impacts, it is necessary to measure the impact with other methods as a comparison, namely by using social return on investment (SROI).

Advancing the social return on investment framework to capture the social value of public health interventions: semistructured interviews and a review of scoping reviews

ObjectivesInvestment in public health has far-reaching impacts, not only on physical health but also on communities, economies and the environment. There is increasing demand to account for the wider impact of public health and the social value that can be created, which can be captured through the use of the social return on investment (SROI) framework. This study aims to explore the application of SROI and identify areas of advancement for its use in public health. Study design and methodsPublically available SROI studies of public health interventions previously identified through published systematic scoping reviews were examined through a methodological lens. This was complemented by semistructured interviews with key public health academic experts with experience in the field of SROI. The results were thematically analysed and triangulated. ResultsIn total, 53 studies and nine interviews were included in the analysis. All interviewees agreed that SROI is a suitable framework to demonstrate the social value of public health interventions. Developmental aspects were also identified through the analysis. This included a more systematic use of SROI principles and methodological developments. Lastly, it was identified that further advancements were needed to promote awareness of SROI and how it can be used to generate investment. ConclusionBy identifying key areas for advancement, the results from this study can be used to further refine the SROI framework for use within the speciality to promote investment in services and interventions that demonstrate maximum value to people, communities, economies and the environment.

Social Impact Measurement: A Systematic Literature Review and Future Research Directions

This paper explores the current state of the social impact measurement (SIM) field to better understand common practices in measuring the post-intervention social impact of a program or project and to identify strategies to improve measurement in practice. This study employed a systematic literature review. Articles were manually coded deductively and inductively in NVivo to complete a descriptive and thematic analysis of the literature. The thematic analysis provided an in-depth understanding of the SIM field. We found that similarities existed across the definitions of social impact (e.g., environmental impact is part of social impact). Additionally, social return on investment (SROI) is the most common measurement model and theory of change was identified as a core concept across SIM literature. Strategies are presented for practitioners to consider when measuring social impact, including: (i) engage stakeholders throughout the process, (ii) mobilize existing operational data, (iii) increase measurement capacity, and (iv) use both qualitative and quantitative data. This study reveals the nuances of SIM based on academic literature published across the globe over the span of a decade. It places emphasis on the post-intervention stage and identifies strategies to improve the application of measurement models in practice. Lastly, it outlines future research directions.

The social value and financial benefits of providing preventive and timely counselling to people with sight loss in Wales, UK

AbstractBackgroundAlmost 2 million people in the UK live with sight loss, and this number is predicted to double by 2050. There is increasing recognition of the need to provide counselling services to people living with sight loss.AimThe aim of this research was to assess whether there is an unmet need for counselling services for people living with sight loss in North Wales and to estimate the social value and budget impact of the potential roll‐out of counselling services to this population.MethodBetween December 2020 and May 2021, a telephone survey was completed by 192 people living with sight loss in North Wales, UK. The survey instrument was a 19‐item questionnaire, which included the Short Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well‐being Scale (SWEMWBS). Using data from the SWEMWBS and published statistics, a social return on investment (SROI) and budget impact analysis were conducted.ResultsMost respondents (84%, n = 161) had never been offered counselling in relation to sight loss. Thirty‐nine per cent (n = 74) stated that they would use a new counselling service if it were available. Fifty‐one per cent (n = 97) indicated that counselling could be especially beneficial for people who have recently been registered or diagnosed with sight loss (the timely window). Of those who completed the SWEMWBS, approximately 25% reported low mental well‐being or probable depression. Social return on investment analysis estimated that providing counselling services for people with sight loss in North Wales could generate a social value of £3.42 for every £1 invested.ConclusionTimely counselling may improve an individual's ability to cope with sight loss and improve their quality of life over time.

TRANSFORMASI PERTANIAN 4.0: MENGUKUR DAMPAK INVESTASI SOSIAL MELALUI PENDEKATAN SROI

This research was conducted with the aim of finding out the impact of Creating Shared Value (CSV) activities carried out by the MM UNAIR 58 regular class on the community in Surabaya and encouraging the acceleration of Indonesia's agricultural development in the Digital Era. The approach used in this research is Social Return On Investment (SROI). The data used is in the form of data that has a clear quantitative value and can be measured in financial terms such as rupiah, while other data are assumptions that are monetized using standard document references, research output, community consensus and so on. The results of this study indicate that the ratio resulting from this CSV activity is high and has a large impact on world investment.

Assessing a digital technology-supported community child health programme in India using the Social Return on Investment framework.

An estimated 5.0 million children aged under 5 years died in 2020, with 82% of these deaths occurring in sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia. Over one-third of Mumbai's population has limited access to healthcare, and child health outcomes are particularly grave among the urban poor. We describe the implementation of a digital technology-based child health programme in Mumbai and evaluate its holistic impact. Using an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered mobile health platform, we developed a programme for community-based management of child health. Leveraging an existing workforce, community health workers (CHW), the programme was designed to strengthen triage and referral, improve access to healthcare in the community, and reduce dependence on hospitals. A Social Return on Investment (SROI) framework is used to evaluate holistic impact. The programme increased the proportion of illness episodes treated in the community from 4% to 76%, subsequently reducing hospitalisations and out-of-pocket expenditure on private healthcare providers. For the total investment of Indian Rupee (INR) 2,632,271, the social return was INR 34,435,827, delivering an SROI ratio of 13. The annual cost of the programme per child was INR 625. Upskilling an existing workforce such as CHWs, with the help of AI-driven decision- support tools, has the potential to extend capacity for critical health services into community settings. This study provides a blueprint for evaluating the holistic impact of health technologies using evidence-based tools like SROI. These findings have applicability across income settings, offering clear rationale for the promotion of technology-supported interventions that strengthen healthcare delivery.

On NFPs with high social impact that avoid concentrating on a few activities.

Background: An influential piece of literature on effective altruism insists that not-for-profit organizations (NFPs) should concentrate their investments on a few activities to maximize their social return on investment (SROI) ratio. However, this creates greater risk for an NFP than building a portfolio of investments in activities. This study investigates whether it is desirable for executives and contributors of NFPs to build a portfolio rather than maximize the expected SROI ratio, and if so, how to build one. Solving these questions will help the chief financial officers (CFOs) of NFPs, who serve as their agents, fulfill their obligations to contributors, who are their principals, and will help advisors provide better services for their contributors, their clients. Methods: Data were collected from a ranking of NFPs, then non-parametric tests were performed on this ranking and the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI). Results: The HHI are between 2013 and 2688. The results of non-parametric tests do not deny that rank and HHI are independent of each other. Most of the NFPs' investments in activities were in accord with their core competencies. Conclusions: It was found that successful executives build portfolios. The findings of this study should be sufficiently practical in helping NFP executives and contributors decide whether to build portfolios, and if so, how.