In January 2012, the Women’s Resource Centre published Hidden Value: Demonstrating the extraordinary impact of women’s voluntary and community organisations.
‘Hidden Value…’ is an innovative social return on investment report produced in collaboration with five London-based women’s organisations, with support from new economics foundation.
Social Return On Investment (SROI) is a form of cost-benefit analysis that seeks to measure and value the key changes, or outcomes, created by a programme or activity.
Conducted over a two year period, ‘Hidden Value…’ highlights the far reaching benefits of the services provided by women’s organisations and the significant savings they create for the state, local economies and communities.
The report found that for every pound invested into their services, women’s organisations can generate, over five years, between £5 and £11 worth of social value to women, their children, and the state.
Calling the findings a ‘wake-up call’, the report recommends to government and to commissioners that they develop a better understanding of the incredible value of such specialist services and of investing in them appropriately.
