Collaborating on ImpactInsights on HE-SPO partnerships – Evidence from Proving Our Value

Charlotte Hanson, South West Forum

University of Bath &

BANES CAB

University of Bristol &

Voscur

University of Exeter & CCD

CCRI & GCCP, Fairshares

G11, GAVCA

University of West of

England & WHLC

Enabling factors for partnership

• Realistic expectations around capacity• Trust, openness and knowledge sharing• Levels of buy-in & enthusiasm from SPO

practitioners & volunteers• The role of practitioners and volunteers in

engaging beneficiaries• Existing levels of research expertise and skills• COMMUNICATION

Partnership Successes

• Better access to clients• Better understanding of service users & SPOs• Co-production of methodologies/tools• Data collection from multiple partners• Joint Analysis• Enhanced skills/knowledge on both sides

Key Learning Points1. Strong evidence of social and economic impact & significant return on investment

Examples of added economic value Examples of economic savings

harnessing volunteers addiction problems

returning to employment and training debt management issues

resuming child care responsibilities anger management

community capacity enhanced

Economic impact of the Wellbeing Programme

Impact map for Young People and Community – Gloucester City Centre Project Orienteer, P. Courtney

Activities Short term Outcomes

Medium termOutcomes

Long-term OutcomesRange of

training/educational/recreational activities

Representation in community

Exposure to substance mis-use programmes and information

Off street meetings and gatherings as opposed to on street

Reduced contact with street drinkers

Increased Local democracy/group participation/social networking

Increase in youth volunteering

Greater inter-generational activity

Improved relationships between youth and police

Improved safety and security

Increased trust, community cohesion & well being

Improved confidence and self esteem

Improved employment and FE/HE prospects

Reduction in juvenile crime

Improved physical health

Improved mental health

Reduction in alcohol abuse

Reduction in crime levels through cultural shift

Reduced pressure on health service and criminal justice system

Reduction in welfare payments and increase in tax receipts

Facilities for formal/informal youth provision

Citizen’s Advice Bureau ServicesM.Farr et al

Key Learning Points2. The value of happiness

“Happiness doesn’t depend on any external

conditions, it is governed by our mental attitude” Dale Carnegie

It’s really sorted out my

mindReally helpful

on the confidence side

Social Prescribing

Skills intervention

Key Learning Points

3. Importance of understanding & valuing the client

4. Methodological Observations

• Difficulties in monetising intangible outcomes• Value /challenge of SROI approach• No standard best fit approach to capturing

social value • Some commonalities

– mixed methods, – blended, – longitudinal

4. Methodological Observations...

• Impact assessment process per se is valuable esp. Theory of Change

• Impact assessment must be proportionate to Capacity

Partnership Legacy• Influencing Policy • Attracting investment• Co-produced tools• Research Legacy• Future collaborations• Organisational Learning