Illuminating Impact: AKOU's Data Solutions for Socius's Social Value
Transforming Social Value Measurement and Network Visualisation for a Mixed-Use Developer
Client
Socius
Date
2023 - 2024
UK-wide
Client
Socius is a mixed-use developer with an ambition to lead the way in delivering social impact through development. They create sustainable projects that balance profit and purpose, and their work is centred around relationships. However, a key challenge for Socius is demonstrating the value and impact of these relationships.
The Challenge
Transform how Socius tracks engagement and proves the social value they create through their development projects.
AKOU’s Impact
Akou was brought in to help Socius develop a new data collection process that would provide richer insights and evidence of their social impact. We used a human-centred design approach to understand the core needs of the Socius team and their current impact data processes. We then worked closely with Socius’ Social Value Director to create new feedback loops for community members, partners, and clients to collect and share key data.
Using Akou’s digital tools and methodologies, we were able to map, visualise, and understand the networks that Socius builds through their work. The result is a unified dashboard and data collection system that illuminates Socius’ social impact in real time.
This new system has equipped the Socius team with intuitive dashboards that provide insights into their projects and community engagement activities. These insights are being used on an operational level to inform how Socius engages with communities going forward. They are also being used to create unique stories that inspire people, enhance decision-making, and improve Socius’ social return on investment (SROI).
Socius is now looking to further embed this approach and toolkits into the company’s working practices, both technically and culturally.
Key Outcomes
- Creation of new surveys and feedback loops between Socius, their clients, community, and connections
- New data collected on Socius’ network
- Visualisations of Socius’ network
- Creation of dashboards to analyse the team’s network and social capital, and produce impact data and reports for the team to monitor impact of each project and of all relationships
- Provided client with a new CRM system that tracks impact and relationships simultaneously
- Designed new ways for the client team to calculate and measure impact
“We’re working with Akou to visually demonstrate our social impact through the relationships we have with fellow professionals, public sector and communities. They’re the only organisation I’ve heard of, who do what they do.”
Liam Ronan-Chlond
“We need to be able to show how we are supporting community connectors and those on the ground doing their best work. Socius wants to support community networks and we put time and resources into doing this. This platform is imperative for us to show our invisible labour and the value it delivers”
Client team
End Result
Akou is continuing to work with Socius with the development of dashboards and plugins to surface data, track data and make reporting more effective for the company.
