Warm Wales has successfully utilised the Impact Social Return on Investment (SROI) tool, provided by Flintshire County Council, to evaluate the effectiveness of its advice service in North Wales. This innovative tool, part of the Flintshire Social Enterprise Partnership initiative, enables social enterprises to quantify their social impact, thereby demonstrating value to stakeholders.
Warm Wales has successfully utilised the Impact Social Return on Investment (SROI) tool, provided by Flintshire County Council, to evaluate the effectiveness of its advice service in North Wales. This innovative tool, part of the Flintshire Social Enterprise Partnership initiative, enables social enterprises to quantify their social impact, thereby demonstrating value to stakeholders.
On Thursday 30th May, Rachel Cupit, Project Manager, and Karen Hughes, Senior Project Officer for Warm Wales, attended a celebration event at Rivertown Church in Deeside. During the event, they received a certificate from Niall Waller, Service Manager – Enterprise and Regeneration Planning, Environment and Economy for Flintshire County Council. This recognition highlights Warm Wales’ commitment and hard work in using the SROI tool to benefit the community.
Rachel Cupit expressed her gratitude, saying, “We are thrilled to be recognised for our efforts in utilising the SROI tool to measure the impact of our advice service. The support and training provided by Flintshire County Council. Special thanks to Mike Dodd for his invaluable support. The initial results are promising, and we look forward to expanding our use of the tool to capture a more comprehensive picture of our service’s impact.”
The SROI analysis of Warm Wales’ advice service, covering the period from April 2023 to March 2024, revealed a significant social impact value of £262,795. This figure, which reflects only a portion of the service’s overall impact, underscores the substantial benefits provided to the community. The analysis does not account for the direct savings that individuals have achieved through the advice received, indicating that the true value of the service is even higher.
The advice service aims to empower individuals with knowledge about energy management, including cost reduction, optimising energy usage, exploring alternative energy-saving methods, and maintaining warmth in their homes. By doing so, the service contributes to increased financial stability and reduced energy poverty among vulnerable households. Additionally, educated energy use leads to improved health and well-being, as residents can keep their homes adequately heated, reducing the risk of cold-related illnesses. The environmental benefits are also significant, with reduced energy consumption contributing to lower carbon emissions and fostering a more sustainable community.
In conclusion, the SROI analysis highlights the vital role of Warm Wales’ advice service. By demonstrating the economic, health, and environmental benefits of the service, Warm Wales can continue to advocate for and support the community, ensuring that residents are better equipped to manage their energy needs independently and efficiently.