Driving Social Value Forward: Insights from Bean Research at the ISV Annual Conference

At Bean, we are passionate about advancing the field of social value and supporting organisations to make meaningful, measurable impacts. This year, we were proud to contribute to the ISV Annual Conference (Institute for Social Value) with two of our team members speaking on diverse yet complementary topics. The event brought together leading voices in the sector, and we were thrilled to share actionable insights, exchange ideas, and spotlight the importance of empowering both organisations and individuals to drive social value forward.

Quantifying Change: Advanced Strategies for Measuring Social Impact

On the first day of the conference, Charlotte Turner, our director, chaired a dynamic panel discussion titled “Quantifying Change: Advanced Strategies for Measuring Social Impact.” Alongside experts from Impact Advantage, LFC Foundation, Envoy Partnership, and Thrive, Charlotte explored cutting-edge methods for measuring and demonstrating social impact.

Key Insights from the Panel:

Start with the End in Mind: The panel underscored the importance of defining success from the outset. Establishing clear outcomes and aligning with stakeholders helps organisations focus on what truly matters—creating real equity and measurable progress.
Built-In, Not Bolted-On: Sustainable social impact stems from embedding social value principles at the core of organisational strategy. Charlotte’s mantra, “Built-in, not bolted-on,” encapsulates the need to prioritise long-term impact over surface-level compliance.
Tools and Frameworks Matter: Leveraging robust frameworks like SROI (Social Return on Investment) ensures transparency and consistency in impact measurement. By focusing on outcomes rather than inputs or outputs, organisations can demonstrate tangible value to stakeholders.

The session’s lively Q&A highlighted the hunger for practical advice, with over 100 attendees contributing questions that sparked vibrant discussions. The takeaway was clear: impact measurement is not just a reporting exercise; it’s a catalyst for meaningful change.

Empowering the Next Generation of Social Value Champions

The following day, Bethan Lloyd represented Bean Research on the Young Professionals in Social Value (YPSV) panel as part of the Steering Group. Joining young leaders from CHY Consulting, AtkinsRéalis, Accenture, and ISG, Bethan discussed how organisations can foster a supportive environment for emerging talent in the sector.

Actionable Takeaways from the YPSV Panel:

Invest in Formal Pathways: The panel emphasised the importance of creating clear career progression routes for social value roles. Formalising these roles and pathways ensures young professionals see a future in the field.
Clarity is Key: Social value can mean different things to different organisations. Bethan’s advice? Develop a concise, one-page explainer to demystify what social value means within your organisation and align teams from day one.
Mentorship and Leadership: Inspiring leadership and tailored mentorship were identified as critical factors for retaining and developing talent. Encouraging diversity of thought, including neurodiverse perspectives, adds immense value to social value initiatives.
Embedding Social Value Across Organisations: True impact requires embedding social value into the fabric of an organisation. Investing in comprehensive strategies and fostering a culture of innovation are non-negotiables for long-term success.

Bethan’s contribution also highlighted the passion young professionals bring to the table. However, she noted that guidance is often needed to connect day-to-day tasks with overarching social impact goals.

The ISV Annual Conference reinforced the importance of collaboration, innovation, and forward-thinking strategies in pursuing social value. At Bean Research, we’re proud to lead these conversations and support organisations in their journey to create meaningful change. If your organisation is ready to: