27 August 2015

The QLD Chapter’s second event again drew a large attendance, with around 55 turning up for a breakfast session, generously hosted by McCullough Robertson, and featuring a panel of experts from industry, government and the non-profit sector, sharing thoughts on how measuring and reporting social impact can help clarify program efficiencies and improve financial effectiveness.

The event was chaired by Phil Hancock and the discussion moderated by Jerry Marston, both members of the SIMNA QLD Committee.

Panellists shared their different perspectives on the theme;

• Tracy Adams, CEO of Boystown, an ‘early adopter’ of social impact measurement, expanded on how she saw their continuing commitment to measurement flowing through to business efficiencies and program improvements in the organisation;
• Allan English, Founder and Executive Chairman of Silver Chef Limited, and a leader in philanthropy and social entrepreneurship, shared his experience of embedding shared value into corporate strategy, and the positive benefits that accrue, including staff engagement and retention;
• Adam Allan, Founding Director of Social Impact Investing Queensland gave a succinct overview of the social investment landscape, the role social impact investing will play in the future, and the implications for organisations in terms of positioning and readiness;
• Liz Cain, Executive Director in the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services gave insights on where social impact sits in the State Government’s thinking, and instanced the Logan Together initiative as an example of a ‘whole of community’ collaboration.

The lively conversation that followed raised a number of points, touching on the concepts and practicalities of ‘collective impact’ and how partnerships can generate and measure ‘shared value’.

Several exchanges emphasised the crucial role impact measurement played in the ‘learning’ process, and how it can support improved management of programs and resources for organisations large and small. Contributors also cited the importance of engaging and ‘training’ Boards on impact measurement strategy and practice.

As part of our commitment to extending the SIMNA network beyond the South East corner of the State, it is intended that future events will be recorded and made available as a webinar for use by other interested organisations.

The third and final event for 2015 will be in mid-November -a light-hearted ‘Debate’ where opposing arguments will be presented for and against topics central to social impact measurement in Queensland, including “Social Return on Investment (SROI) is the best social impact measurement tool” and “Social impact measurement is just about achieving a Social License to Operate”. More details will be on the website soon.