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Malin Arvidson. Photo: Patrik Hekkala

Malin Arvidson

Senior lecturer | PhD in Sociology

Malin Arvidson. Photo: Patrik Hekkala

Valuing the social? The nature and controversies of measuring Social Return on Investment (SROI)

Author

  • Malin Arvidson
  • Fergus Lyon
  • Steven McKay
  • Dominico Moro

Summary, in English

The concept of ‘social return on investment’ (SROI) has come to play an important role in debates about how social enterprises and charities conceptualise, measure and communicate their achievements. In this paper we analyse the nature and role of SROI as used in the UK for impact assessment of such organisations. The paper offers insight into methodological and procedural aspects of the framework. Key issues explored include the quantification of benefits, the valuing of volunteering, and the ways in which judgment and discretion are exercised. There is a particular tension between the participatory element in the design of each SROI exercise, and its use for the purpose of competition. The paper concludes by proposing a research agenda that includes an examination of the context in which discretion and judgment are applied and the use and usefulness of SROI in the new policy and funding environment in which third sector organizations currently find themselves.

Publishing year

2013

Language

English

Pages

3-18

Publication/Series

Voluntary Sector Review

Volume

4

Issue

1

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

Policy Press

Topic

  • Social Work

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 2040-8064