A strategic approach to social impact measurement of social enterprises: the SIMPLE methodology

Abstract

This paper presents a holistic impact measurement model for SEs, called social impact for local economies (SIMPLE). The SIMPLE impact model and methodology have been tried and tested on over 40 SEs through a series of three day training courses, and a smaller number of test cases for embedding. The impact model offers a five-step approach to impact measurement called SCOPE IT; MAP IT; TRACK IT; TELL IT and EMBED IT. These steps help SE managers to conceptualise the impact problem; identify and prioritise impacts for measurement; develop appropriate impact measures; report impacts and embed the results in management decision making