Question: what software can I use to measure our social value?
Answer:
Unfortunately, there is no software package you can get that will magically measure the social value delivered by your organisation or initiative. People that try to persuade you otherwise are at best misguided ...
A proper consideration of social impact and social value goes well beyond measurement. It requires needs identification, planning, testing, evaluation and an attention paid to constant improvement, as well as tracking and measuring.
This does not mean that software solutions have no role to play. They can help to manage data on inputs, outputs, outcomes and impact and are especially useful for larger data sets. However, they cannot replace the hard work that is needed to truly understand from stakeholders themselves what, if any, value is being created/destroyed by an intervention, or non-action. And they should always be treated with caution if we want to avoid the old GIGO maxim (Garbage In Garbage Out).
Social Value International does accredit a number of tools and at least one of these, the Social Value Engine, is currently being used in Ireland.
What software packages have you used in your social value journey? If you would like to share your experience at a Social Value Ireland event or in an article, do get in touch.
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