Governance
The Impact Evaluation Standard is guided by an independent Steering Committee. Learn who they are, and how you should provide audit and assurance documentation
Independent Social Value Steering Committee
The evolution and rigour of the Impact Evaluation Standard is guided by an independent steering committee of recognised leaders from different sectors, with multi-decade experience in social impact valuation and delivery. The steering committee works alongside the commercial committee and is supported by specific specialist sub-committees (including for the Social Scorecard), which are set up to investigate certain areas or sectors in detail.
Rob Wolfe
Rob has worked in physical and social regeneration at a front line and strategic level for 20 years. He has been a key influence in local and national social value policy.
Mark Cottam
Mark Cottam is a social sustainability leader with 15+ years in the construction industry. He drives social value strategies, aiming for lasting community impact and industry best practices, contributing to initiatives that enhance social responsibility and meaningful change.
Helen Hall
Helen is a social value specialist, with in-depth experience in strategy and delivery in the IT sector. She sees effective measurement as a critical way of linking social impact and business benefit.
Emma Ward
With over 20 years’ experience in the environmental and sustainability arena, Emma has a passion for supporting the delivery of projects that have purpose and lasting legacy.
Sophie Timms
Sophie is a seasoned public affairs expert with significant experience in working with central government and operating complex stakeholder engagement projects.
Leigh Hughes
Leigh Hughes is a leader in social value, consultancy, and business strategy. He champions community impact, sustainability, and responsible business practices, driving social value initiatives that support positive change across industries while contributing to strategic growth and development.
Maureen Gore
Maureen Gore is a commercial and procurement specialist, focused on enhancing social value in public procurement. A Chartered Member of CIPS, she brings expertise in strategic sourcing, stakeholder engagement, and driving positive social impact through procurement practices.
Helen Longfils
A strategic programme leader, Helen has a successful history of embedding social and environmental value into commercial models. With expertise in strategy, transformation, and stakeholder engagement, Helen has driven impact-led change across multiple sectors, helping organisations fulfill their role in society.
All committee members sign up to the conflict of interest policy for the Impact Evaluation Standard
Audit and assurance
A social impact audit should be robust and accurate. It is recommended that a high degree of transparency is used when applying the Impact Evaluation Standard, especially when it comes to the inclusion of audits in the reporting process.
All organisations reporting using the Impact Evaluation Standard should specify the audit level under which the framework was used. The three levels are:
- Unaudited – figures and evidence have been entered by staff but have not been checked by anyone else
- Internally audited – figures and evidence have been checked by one or more staff members acting as a social value reviewer
- Externally audited by an approved Impact Evaluation Standard assessor – figures and evidence have been checked by a third-party auditor, who is approved by the Impact Evaluation Standard steering committee
To learn more about accredited social impact audit partners, or to become an accredited audit partner, please contact us.