How Hertfordshire Community Meals provides social value

Outcomes

After reviewing very similar positive results from the 2011 Annual Survey (in a context of local authority financial pressures, widespread closures of MoWs services around the United Kingdom, and political uncertainty), the management of HCM decided to embark on a Social Return On Investment (SROI) study in order to prove the value of the service to its key stakeholders. The study was carried out by an SROI practitioner in collaboration with Anglia Ruskin University and was subsequently approved by the assurance process of the SROI Network. After going through a detailed process of analysis the study found that, on average, for every £1 invested in HCM’s core meals service, £5.28 of value was created for stakeholders (44% of the value for clients, 36% for public organisations such as the local authority, and 20% for carers and/or family members.

After going through a detailed process of analysis the study found that, on average, for every £1 invested in HCM, £5.28 of value was created for stakeholders (44% of the value for clients, 36% for public organisations such as the local authority, and 20% for carers and/or family members.

Therefore, the statistical evidence suggests that HCM generates considerable value for its stakeholders. Yet in addition to quantitative evidence, HCM gathered a significant quantity of qualitative evidence, particularly from clients and their carers, which indicates the value that the service provides. For example, a large number of clients reported that because of the service provided to them by HCM, they are happier, healthier, and have greater peace of mind.¹ Clients and their carers also told HCM that they felt more independent, their lives are easier, and that they are now able to work full-time as a result of not having to take time off from work to feed their relatives:

“I am healthier and more relaxed as I know I won’t be hungry.”

“Since having meals 7 days a week mother has been in better health and has gained weight! She was 6 ½ stone and now she’s 9 ½. She is brighter and much more with it.”