1.1 Establishing scope
The scope of an SROI analysis is an explicit statement about the boundary of what is
being considered. It is often the result of negotiations about what is feasible for you
to measure and what you would like to be able to improve or communicate. You will
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need to be clear about why you are conducting the analysis and what resources are
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available, and define the priorities for measurement. This stage will help ensure that
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what is being proposed is feasible.
The example below illustrates how a housing foundation made decisions about the
scope of its SROI analysis.
Example: Establishing scope for a housing foundation
A large housing foundation was interested in calculating its social return to
communicate its impact to its primary funder. The foundation has 35 employees and is
involved in many activities, ranging from youth clubs to physical estate improvement
projects. As there was no budget for the SROI analysis, it was decided that it would be
conducted in-house and responsibility would rest with the quality manager at
the foundation.
It was decided to publish the results of the SROI analysis alongside the end-of-year
financial accounts in four months’ time. The short timeframe, limited resources and
the fact that the SROI analysis had to be completed in-house meant that the focus
was to be on one project, with a plan to consider other projects in subsequent years.
The decision was made to focus on a project which gave debt advice to tenants.
This project has direct relevance for the foundation’s primary funder, as one of the
outcomes of the project is an increase in the number of tenants able to pay their rent.
What to consider in order to set scope
The issues you will need to consider include:
1 Purpose
What is the purpose of this SROI analysis? Why do you want to begin this process
now? Are there specific motivations driving the work, such as strategic planning or
funding requirements?
2 Audience
Who is this analysis for? This should cover an initial assessment of how you will
communicate with your audiences.
3 Background
Consider the aims and objectives of your organisation and how it is trying to make
a difference. If you are focusing on specific activities you will need to understand
the objectives of those activities. It is important that you have a clear understanding
of what your organisation does and what it hopes to achieve by its activities. For
sources of further support and information on this see the Resources section.
4 Resources
What resources, such as staff time or money, will be required? Are these available?
1 A guide to Social Return on Investment
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