Different interpretations of new data on UK social impact investment market sizing tell a range of different stories. This week's view from the Pioneers Post newsroom.
Big Society Capital impact report reveals it has channelled £2.6bn of investment to more than 3,500 enterprises, highlights growing interest from venture capital firms, but points to need for more efforts to reach underserved communities.
Too many social ventures look for a “magical, one-size-fits-all” process to measure their impact – but standardisation isn’t the answer, says impact management specialist Madhukar Prabhakara.
Social enterprise is a significant force in the UK economy – but available data is still incomplete and even contradictory. Tim Thorlby pinpoints three questions to explore, and calls for robust, detailed data-gathering by the government.
The more that impact measurement is relied on to shape investor decisions, the more worried we should be, says Dr Jess Daggers: the information gathered does not necessarily correspond with reality, and yet few take this risk into account.
Most systems we care about are complex – and devilishly difficult to redesign. But, if we can't be the 'architects' of new systems, can we be the 'gardeners' that tend them? The former GuideStar boss explains how in an extract from his new book.
Too complex and prone to manipulation? Or a brilliant way to tackle thorny social issues? Opinions on social impact bonds remain divided. The UK's Government Outcomes Lab has spent six years studying the evidence...
False trade-offs and quick fixes may be appealing during times of fear and uncertainty – but we need to allow for and even embrace the messy reality of multiple approaches if we're to solve today's biggest problems.
