The challenges of measuring social impact Brad Potter The University of Melbourne

Measuring and communicating social impact is challenging Background Measuring and communicating social impact is challenging survey results feedback from companies yet many frameworks are presently available This creates opportunities for research A current project at Melbourne: how to navigate the available frameworks and associated resources insights from the accounting and business reporting literature Building on existing work

Initial phase: Identifying and classifying frameworks Approach Initial phase: Identifying and classifying frameworks How we found the frameworks not without and challenges How we classified the frameworks Several dimensions, including Focus Type of impact Impact issue Level of analysis Users Other (includes access) Measurement method

Insights from reporting research and practice Second phase: Identify relevant messages from research and practice in accounting and business reporting Various themes have emerged from this literature that we are currently considering

Themes from accounting and business reporting There is a clear appetite for diverse information about company performance markets and customers reducing risk innovation There are several desirable characteristics of performance reporting approaches voluntary versus mandatory reporting focus on intended users quantifiable metrics connectedness to company strategy objective audit/assurance

Identification and classification of frameworks almost complete Next steps Identification and classification of frameworks almost complete Review of the literature is ongoing Potential outputs Peer-reviewed research article Industry/practice relevant A mechanism for guiding future choice