Making a Difference?
Social Auditing means to consider the practical impact your business has on the community, environment and economy, as well as upon individual people.
Businesses of all types and sizes introduce social audits into their annual reporting for various reasons. By emphasising some of the good things that have resulted from the business, you can develop a positive image and reputation.
Corporate Social Responsibility
This is the idea that businesses are like citizens and, as such, should play their part in a local community. A social audit shows how well a company is fulfilling this responsibility.
Exploiting tendering opportunities
Pragmatically, some organisations or agencies might require you to undertake a social audit if you are to qualify to carry out work on their behalf. Having a Social Audit which outlines your additional value may just give you that competitive edge, which enables you to win more work.
Boosting morale
Staff and volunteers are very much part of the audit process, and it can be motivating for them to be involved in a social audit.
Making a difference
Remember, your organisation exists for a social purpose. A social audit can show whether or not you are succeeding in making a real difference. In particular, P3 can help identify some of the soft outcomes of your work. These are the less tangible differences you make to individuals or communities through your work.
P3 provides consultancy support to enable you to measure the impact of your organisation by mapping out whom and what you affect. Only then you can go on to ask yourself how much difference you make.
P3 Social Audits cover four broad areas
- Individuals and their wellbeing
- The community and its social capital
- The environment
- The economy
Each area is subjected to scrutiny, which will give you a fuller picture of how your company is performing in the above areas.
More about our work regarding Corporate Social Responsibility
