Insights from the SERIGO project event.
How can we effectively measure the social impact of social innovations in rural areas? In our last workshop in Maribor, Slovenia, we explored the challenges, best practices, and methodologies in assessing the social impact of initiatives led by the social economy sector.
The SERIGO workshop, hosted as part of the Community of Practice (CoP), brought together experts and practitioners to discuss the critical link between impact assessment and local governance.
Here’s what we learned.
Why does impact assessment matter? European to local perspectives
Dr. Shannon Pfohman from AEIDL opened the first panel with an overview of the European perspective on social impact measurement, highlighting its growing role in EU funding, evaluation, and policymaking. She explained the distinction between impact assessment (which anticipates change) and impact measurement (which observes it), stressing the need for a holistic approach. Tools like Social Return on Investment (SROI) and EU guidelines support this integration, with benefits including better decision-making, stronger accountability, and improved communication. However, challenges remain, such as the complexity of measurement, lack of standardised metrics, and the need for proportionality.
Matjaž Črnigoj from the University of Ljubljana presented Slovenia’s progress toward standardising social impact measurement for social enterprises (SEs). He introduced the SIMSEN tool, a computer-implemented model designed to address the inadequacies of existing non-financial reporting standards for SEs. Rooted in international guidelines and the theory of change, SIMSEN enables SEs to measure and report diverse social impacts while seeking to minimise administrative burden. Though not yet mandatory, the tool is already being voluntarily adopted and supports both internal management and policy development. Slovenia aims to become the first EU country to legally require SEs to report their social impacts.
To close the first panel, Sanja Zelko from Mozaik Association presented its impactful work in social inclusion and employment across Slovenia’s Pomurje region. With over two decades of experience, Mozaik has developed programmes addressing homelessness, elderly care, intergenerational cooperation, and employment for vulnerable groups. Their initiatives have created over 80 jobs, supported 800+ individuals toward employment, and revitalised abandoned urban and rural spaces.
Peer learning and tools across Europe
Raphaela Friedl presented Hobby Lobby’s structured approach to impact measurement in informal education. The organisation offers free, low-threshold leisure activities to promote equal opportunities for children, focusing on physical and mental well-being. Their impact framework follows recognised social reporting standards, tracking inputs, outputs, outcomes, and long-term societal impact through the I-O-O-I model. With over 10,000 children reached across three countries, Hobby Lobby demonstrates measurable improvements in social skills, teamwork, and communication among youth, supported by both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods.
Sarah Henderson from People’s Voice Media emphasised the importance of integrating lived experience into social impact assessment. She introduced Community Reporting as a digital storytelling method that captures the nuanced, personal effects of social innovations. This approach values experiential knowledge and supports inclusive decision-making by highlighting the voices of those directly affected. Tools like Dialogue Interviews, Responsible Storytelling, and Ripple Effect Mapping help organisations understand and communicate the deeper, often intangible, impacts of their work.
Līva Švarce from the Social Entrepreneurship Association of Latvia (SEAL) showcased practical tools for managing and communicating social impact. Their Impact Management Toolbox and Communication Guidelines provide step-by-step resources for organisations to define, measure, and share their impact effectively. These tools help social enterprises improve their work quality, demonstrate accountability, and engage stakeholders through compelling narratives. SEAL initiative supports a growing ecosystem of 135 member organisations, promoting long-term change and visibility for social entrepreneurship in Latvia.
Impact measurement in practice
The SERIGO hands-on workshop on social impact measurement, led by Ana Janošev (external expert facilitator) and only for onsite attendees, focused on guiding SERIGO pilots teams through the foundational steps of building their own impact assessment frameworks. Participants worked in dedicated groups, each representing a pilot project, and followed a structured process using the IOOI (Input-Output-Outcome-Impact) model. The session began with identifying the social problem, target groups, and vision, followed by mapping out the logical flow of their interventions and defining the causal links between activities and intended outputs and impact. In the next phase, groups developed specific indicators to measure outputs, outcomes, and impacts.
Reflections & lessons learned
Why do we measure social impact?
1.Strategic learning and positioning
Measuring impact helps organisations understand what works. It enables reflection, learning, and continuous improvement. It also enhances visibility and credibility, making our work more attractive to funders, partners, and stakeholders.
2.Internal motivation and decision-making
Internally, it supports better decision-making and provides a clear sense of purpose for teams. Seeing tangible results can boost motivation and help align daily activities with long-term goals.
3.Transparent communication with stakeholders
Impact measurement supports clear and compelling communication. Whether engaging beneficiaries, funders, or community members, demonstrating results helps build trust and accountability. It also helps organisations tailor their message to different audiences, showing not only what they do, but why it matters.
4.Responding to policy and funding expectations
There is a growing policy emphasis on impact measurement, particularly at the European level. Social economy actors and social innovators are increasingly expected to demonstrate that public funds are being used effectively and efficiently. Evidence of impact strengthens the case for continued investment and policy support.
In summary, impact measurement is not just a reporting tool, it is a crucial element of legitimacy, strategic development, and organisational management.
How can we approach impact measurement?
1. Take a holistic view
Effective impact measurement requires a comprehensive approach that considers all forms of impact, social, economic, environmental, and beyond. It’s not just about outcomes but about understanding the broader effects your organisation has on people and communities.
2.Combine quantitative and qualitative data
A compelling impact story relies on both numbers and narratives. Quantitative data provides measurable results that are especially important for funders and policymakers and offers insight into the economic dimension of your activities. Qualitative data, such as stories and feedback, adds emotional resonance, illustrates context, and highlights personal transformations that numbers alone can’t capture. Together, these methods create a well-rounded and persuasive account of your work.
3.Start small and build over time
For organisations new to impact measurement, it’s best to begin with manageable steps. Start by tracking inputs and outputs, what you invest and what immediate results occur. As your capacity grows, you can progress toward assessing long-term outcomes and broader societal impacts. Impact measurement is a journey, not a one-time task.
4.Use models wisely, like the I-O-O-I framework
The Input-Output-Outcome-Impact (I-O-O-I) model is widely used as a practical structure for mapping and measuring change. It offers a clear pathway for linking activities to results. However, it’s important to remember that any model is a simplified representation of reality.
Watch the recording below:
