Posted 22nd May 2025
By Isabelle Parasram OBE – CEO, Institute for Social Value
At the Institute for Social Value, we recognise that those working in and around social value come from a wide range of sectors, roles and lived experiences – from individuals just starting out to seasoned practitioners with decades of experience. As the field evolves, so too must the routes through which people enter, progress and grow within it.
That’s why I’m delighted to announce the launch of the ISV Professional Pathways Forum.
This Forum will act as a dedicated space to explore what a coherent and credible professional pathway might look like for social value practitioners across all disciplines and contexts. It will consider the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to sustain high-quality practice, and how these can be supported through continuing professional development.
Crucially, this work will be shaped by those who live it – and we’re inviting expressions of interest from individuals who want to play an active role in its development.
Who We’re Looking For
We are seeking a diverse group of Forum members – including those with no formal training, those in emerging roles and those with extensive professional experience – to help us explore and build the foundations of a shared professional pathway.
All roles within the Forum are voluntary, with a time commitment of approximately 1 to 1.5 days per month. While unpaid, the roles offer a number of proposed benefits – including professional recognition, the opportunity to represent ISV at speaking engagements, and ongoing training.
In addition to Forum members, we are also seeking to appoint two Co-Chairs, who will play a vital leadership role and hold seats on the ISV Council. The Co-Chairs will work closely with Institute leadership to ensure that the Forum’s work is well-integrated into our wider strategy and that members are supported in their roles.
Key Dates
To ensure a focused and well-supported process, the following milestones are planned:
Before Tuesday 24 June 2025
– Forum Information Documents sent to shortlisted candidates
– Offers accepted and members appointed
– Contracts and induction materials issued
Tuesday 24 June 2025
– Training and briefing session for Forum Members, Chairs and Strategic Leads
– Additional session for Forum Co-Chairs and Strategic Leads
Week commencing Monday 7 July 2025
– First Forum meeting to take place
Key Contact
The Forum will be guided by Eimear Davis, our Strategic Lead for Professional Pathways. A former headteacher with a longstanding background in education, Eimear brings a deep understanding of professional learning, career development and sector standards. She will oversee the direction of the Forum’s work and ensure alignment with the Institute’s broader aims.
“As someone who has spent their career supporting others to grow and develop in their work, I know how vital it is to have clear, credible and inclusive pathways. This Forum is about ensuring that everyone who works in social value – regardless of background – can access the opportunities and recognition they deserve.”
– Eimear Davis, Strategic Lead for Professional Pathways
Eimear will serve as the main point of contact for strategic matters and will work closely with the Forum Co-Chairs to support members and facilitate meaningful progress. You can contact her here with any queries: [email protected]
Join Us
If you’re interested in being part of this important work, we invite you to submit an expression of interest via the link below:
🔗 Submit your Expression of Interest
We look forward to working with those who are ready to shape the future of professional development in social value – wherever you are in your journey.