
Malin Arvidson
Senior lecturer | PhD in Sociology

The social return on investment in community befriending
Author
Summary, in English
Design/methodology/approach: The analysis is based on a social return on investment (SROI) approach. Evidence was gathered from quantitative data, interviews and a literature review. The analysis examined short, medium and long term effects, and attributed monetary values to social outcomes.
Findings: The service provides a return of £6.50 for every £1 invested. The analysis established outcomes for service users and long term impacts on families and children. It illustrated how these services are important in achieving more appropriate service responses, providing value for money to the NHS.
Research limitations/implications: There is no common accepted method for identifying financial values for a number of the benefits identified in this analysis. By being transparent in how the analysis was carried out the paper encourages further critical thinking in this area.
Practical implications: Engaging commissioners in this type of analysis may assist them in the use of economic evaluation as an input to decision making.
Originality/value: The paper contributes to our understanding of ‘social value’ and ‘value for money’ in the context of public services. This is of importance given the Social Value Act and ‘Open Public Services’ reform are being implemented in the UK.
Department/s
- School of Social Work
Publishing year
2014
Language
English
Publication/Series
International Journal of Public Sector Management
Volume
27
Issue
3
Document type
Journal article
Publisher
Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Topic
- Social Work
Status
Published
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 0951-3558