The document discusses the key challenges of undertaking impact research with social purpose organizations. It notes pressures on the sector like financial pressures, increased competition for funds, and higher expectations of measuring impact. Some challenges for projects include developing a common framework for measuring impact that is replicable and relevant, and balancing methodological principles with practical realities like limited resources. The document provides background on assessing the impact of social purpose organizations and the university's role in examining questions around economic and social impact measurement tools.

1. The key challenges to undertaking impact research with social purpose organisations Leroy White University of Bristol

2. Pressures faced by the sector The Coalition Government has put new approval mechanisms in place on projects proposed by government departments, with the following pressures on the sector: Financial pressures can lead to procurement practices that favour economies of scale, leading to possible polarisation of the sector. Increase in private sector organisations winning contracts, and then sub-contracting to VCOs. Pressure to work in partnership or collaboration with other organisations. Increased competition for funds and higher expectations of evidence of value and impact Increased performance measurement by funders

3. Challenges for the project How in light of the varied examples and approaches can we move towards a common framework for measuring impact that is both replicable and relevant? How can one get over the possible contradiction between methodological principles and practical realities, such as limited resources, multi-stakeholder, purpose, size, diversity, and complexity of organisations? Should we be concerned with managerial, methodological and relational challenges, such as capacity, methods/approaches, data, working in partnership

4. Background Assessing the impact of social purpose organisations (SPOs) is a key research priority for project. How do we value the role that (SPOs) play in delivering services and contributing to general community wellbeing. UoB’s role: to focus on some key questions Contrasting and combining economic and social impact The effectiveness of existing tools for impact assessment of SPOs Defining and measuring the added value of SPO activity Development of aggregate measures of impact

5. Context A growing body of both neo-liberal and social democratic thinkers (Hayek 1944; Le Grand 2003; Giddens 1998) argue for a shift away from producer-led to consumer-led models of government and public service: Democratic Imperative Constrained public spending coupled with the economic downturn, are increasingly putting purchasers and deliverers of services under pressure to achieve efficiency and value for money. Efficiency Imperative In consequence, the success of public service reform rests on the development of representative as well as technocratic networks which can meet the demands of both representative democracy and the efficient delivery of public goods.

6. Democracy Efficiency

7. Context Community: Social value/ social justice Individual: Personalisation/ accountability

8. Democracy Community development Community orientation: Choice Individual orientation: Social Impact Economic Impact Efficiency

9. Measures Einstein said: "Not everything that counts can be counted and not everything that can be counted counts.“ Nevertheless, SPOs should try to measure what really does count and be aware of what cannot be measured

10. Measures SROI Social Cost benefit Cost benefit Blended values Etc........

11. Challenges Managerial, Methodological Relational challenges,