Posted 18th November 2022
Social Value UK are proud to announce that our member, Joanne Bannister, has achieved Level One Associate Practitioner status.
Joanne Bannister is the Social Value Engine Programme Coordinator.
“The Social Value Engine has been developed to give our clients complete control of their social value calculations. Behind the tool is a team whose collective experience in social value totals more than 30 years. We are passionate about measuring social value for its own sake and recording those so-called intangible benefits. We also embed the theory and best practice of social value into every aspect of our training and support offer.”
Ahead of this announcement, we had a discussion about our Practitioner Pathway and Joanne’s experience with the Level One assessment process:
Why have you decided to undertake the Social Value International Practitioner Pathway?
I am the Social Value Programme Coordinator for the only UK based Social Value Software Tool, the Social Value Engine. I am based at the East Riding of Yorkshire Council and we partner with external economic consultants Rose Regeneration in practising.
It’s therefore important we continue to lead by example with our internal council colleagues and 120+ external organisations who look to us for best practice and expertise. Our software, training package and close work with organisations follows the SVI framework, its benefits and advocates the application of the principles. We work closely with SVUK & International.
I am keen to participate in continuous professional development and believe Level 1 Associate Practitioner accreditation is essential in my role.
What did you learn and find useful from this assessment process?
The whole process and learning journey reaffirmed my commitment to the framework and 8 principles
Now that you are a Level 1 Associate Practitioner what do you plan to do next to develop your practice? How do you plan to use your practitioner skills?
After shouting it from the roof tops…as I really am super proud!
I will be ensuring these skills, in particular the SVI framework and 8 principles remain in the forefront of my mind when guiding others with their Social Value measurements. I am fortunate that my role is Social Value focused and therefore I develop my practice and that of others daily.
Are there any specific projects or activities you are doing at the moment that are related to SROI/social value?
I am proud of the 50+ organisations and the projects I have worked on, however, I was fortunate to be able to use my skills with the FLAVOUR Project (Interreg 2 Seas) which is part-funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF EU wide Interreg project. This was showcased across Europe and is a collaboration between 10 main partners in 3 different countries (Belgium, France and the UK). Partners consist of social enterprises, charities, municipalities, and universities.
You have now joined a community of practice around the globe. What does this mean to you and why do you want to participate and contribute to the development of the methodology and overall social value movement?
Monetary value as been a key decision-making factor but I don’t believe inequalities and wellbeing can be addressed through financial valuations alone. Being part of the social value movement is an important way of challenging this, but it does not seek to compete with monetary value but compliment it and provides another lens to understand the difference made to a person. In being part of the social value movement we each bring our own perspectives and experiences and it is in this space where some of the best learning can take place.
“I am super proud to become a Level 1 Associate Practitioner with Social Value
International. I will continue to practice the principles of social value and look forward to
being part of a movement changing how we account for value and most importantly include the experiences of people.” – Joanne Bannister
For more information, you can contact Joanne via [email protected]