CONNECT Reading, a charity which connects public institutions, has teamed up with tech start-up whatimpact.com.
The partnership will provide a model for helping organisation in Reading give back by helping planning, matching, and reporting on community projects.
Government legislation updated in March 2021 requires commissioners of public services to consider “social value” during operations, with government evaluating community impact when awarding contracts.
It also provides a model for streamlining and standardising procurement, but the new partnership has put forward a new model.
Kate Graefe, former assistant director of procurement & contracts at Reading Borough Council, says:
“Public sector services are increasingly keen to ensure the incorporation of social value in contracts, measuring meaningful impact.
“Many local authorities use TOM (themes, outcomes, and measures) as a basis for requesting and measuring social value, but this framework monetises social value based on national figures, rather than measuring local impact.
“Truly delivering value also needs a network of connections, to understand local needs and match with social value attained through contracts.
“The combination of whatimpact.com’s matching technology overlaid with local knowledge from a local organisation like Connect Reading is an incredible opportunity to ramp up social value impact for Reading.
“This place-based approach to delivery and measurement of social value impact is a significant step forward in supporting Reading Borough Council’s vision, to help Reading realise its potential and ensure that everyone who lives and works here can share the benefits of its success.
Tiia Sammallahti, CEO and founder of whatimpact.com, said: “True impact, the actual difference being made, will be reported on using our qualitative social impact reporting tool.
“These activity-based impact reports will give local authority procurement departments a clear view on how companies are investing in social value initiatives and the impact they are having.”
Lorraine Briffitt, CEO of Connect Reading, said: “Our vision at Connect Reading is to build a better Reading for everyone, impacting our local environment, local community and local economy.
“We see this partnership with whatimpact.com as a significant opportunity to put local, impactful social value front and centre in our town.
“The opportunity for businesses to measure impact on a local level will positively impact staff engagement.
She continued: “It also – most importantly – ensures the benefit of volunteering, support and donations can be felt on the ground where it’s most needed.
“We’re confident that our member organisations, from every sector, will find this localised view engaging, empowering, and impactful.”
