Influencing through Impact:
Strengthening the Business Case for Social
Insights from B4SI’s Social Impact in Action series – as shared by leading organisations in London and Madrid.
In June and July, B4SI’s Social Impact in Action series landed in Europe, bringing together social impact practitioners in London and Madrid to explore what is shaping the ‘S’ in ESG. Following successful events in APAC, these sessions shared real-world challenges, sparked fresh ideas, and showcased the power of social impact across sectors in an ever-evolving space.
In London, we were thrilled to be hosted by RELX, with panel speakers Alison Gardner, Head of UK&I Social Impact and ESG at RSA, Alexis Steadman, Global Community Manager at RELX and Matt Sparkes, Sustainability Director at Linklaters and Chair of B4SI’s EMEA Steering Group.
In Madrid, our event was held in partnership with Forética, and we were kindly hosted by Iberdrola. The panel featured Rosario Garcia Crespo, Community Impact Manager at Amadeus, Mariana Soria, Data and Analytics Lead at Accenture, and Iñigo Olaizola Arguiarro, Head of Sustainability Planning and Reporting at Iberdrola, who shared their insights and experiences from both local and global perspectives.
Across both events, one theme stood out: impact measurement is key to reinforcing the business case for social. Importantly, speakers representing multiple sectors and a range of global and regional businesses aligned on the point that it isn’t just about reporting – it’s about making better decisions and unlocking the full potential of social initiatives.
Why is Robust Impact Data So Critical?
1. Data Builds Trust
With rising regulatory scrutiny and stakeholder expectations, robust, credible data is no longer optional – it is the foundation for transparency, trust, and for securing buy-in of stakeholders within and outside the business.
Speakers consistently emphasised the value of the B4SI Framework to structure, collect and communicate social impact data consistently across business operations, while enabling its integration into multiple reporting and disclosure requirements.
2. Harnessing Opportunities helps Mitigate Long-Term Risks
Risk reporting dominates ESG disclosures, but what about opportunities for positive impacts? Panellists reinforced that by shifting their lens from risk to opportunities, they mitigate long-term risks while creating meaningful social impact – and urged others to do the same.
This is important given the complex nature of systemic social risks, and the role that Corporate Social Impact programmes can play in system change.
There was recognition that while businesses should prioritise material issues in the focus of their social programmes, the methodologies used in some materiality assessments may be missing critical opportunities for positive corporate impact on social issues that pose longer term risks for business, such as loss of social license to operate.
3. Impact Measurement drives Corporate Commitment
Social initiatives aren’t just good for communities – they’re good for business. Initiatives are increasingly recognised as drivers of both internal engagement and external value.
Measuring employee participation and satisfaction in volunteering, for example, can strengthen organisational culture, retention, and development.
As several panellists highlighted: evidence of positive social impact strengthens the business case for sustained investments and programmes, while also opening doors for deeper client and customer engagement.
Getting Started: Practical Advice on Impact Measurement
If you’re beginning your impact measurement journey, here’s what our speakers offered as key practical recommendations:
1. Start small: Focus on strategic and established programmes to begin with, and scale from there
2. Be thoughtful with data: Think about how you’ll use it, and collect only what you need!
3. Collaborate wisely: Partner with trusted organisations and community stakeholders to build capacity and credibility
4. Embed into strategy: Ensure social efforts align with your business goals and stakeholder needs.
Ready to Strengthen Your Social Impact?
Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, B4SI is here to support you every step of the way – from Impact Frameworks to the development of Indicators and Data Collection Tools as well as support with Partner Alignment and expert guidance.
Contact us to access resources for making your social impact measurable, meaningful and strategic.