Catherine Manning Head of Impact Practice Impact reporting
5 Minutes With Catherine Manning
Catherine Manning is a driving force in the world of social impact measurement. As a Board Member of Social Value International, Head of Impact Practice at Impact Reporting, and Programme Director of Measure Up, she’s passionate about making social value accessible and meaningful. A finalist for multiple awards, including the 2025 Pioneer of the Year with the Better Business Network, Catherine shares her insights on the evolving landscape of social value measurement.
What is social value measurement, and why does it matter?
Social value measurement is about understanding and quantifying the impact that organisations have on people and communities. It’s not just about financial returns - it’s about recognising the broader benefits businesses and projects create, from mental health improvements to stronger community ties. Done right, it helps organisations make better decisions and communicate their impact more effectively.
How has the field evolved over time?
There’s been a big shift from theory-heavy discussions to practical application. More businesses are recognising the importance of measuring impact, and there’s a growing focus on using data to drive decision-making rather than just reporting for compliance.
What role does technology play in all this?
Digital tools are making social value measurement more accessible. Platforms can automate data collection, provide real-time insights, and help organisations track their impact over time. The key is ensuring that technology complements human expertise rather than replacing it.
🎙️Check out the related Podcast Episode:
What is your view on financial proxies being used as a way of quantitatively evaluating social value?
If it’s useful it’s a good reason to do it, but if it’s not, don’t do it. Just because it has a pound sign doesn’t mean it’s more meaningful in describing what it represents. We aren’t talking about financial value were talking about bringing visibility to things that aren’t financially valued.
How should smaller organisations approach social value measurement?
Start small. Identify key areas of impact and use straightforward methods to track them. There are free resources and frameworks available - Measure Up, for example - so it doesn’t have to be expensive or overly complex.
Are there any emerging trends you’re excited about?
Right now, there's a really exciting trend towards more transparent valuation practices, as I'm seeing more and more of that happening at a UK level, but probably more at an international level. This includes initiatives like the International Foundation for Valuing Impacts and Harvard Business School's Impact-Weighted Accounts Project. As I mentioned, we need to start valuing stuff more in the open so people can critique and understand these practices better. Plus, new standards like the upcoming ISO on sustainability management are going to be really important in this space.
What advice would you give to someone new to social value measurement?
Get involved in the community. Organisations like The Institute for Social Value (previously Social Value UK) and Social Value International offer fantastic resources. And don’t be afraid to start small - every bit of measurement helps build a better picture of impact over time.
Catherine’s work is shaping the future of social value, helping organisations move from good intentions to meaningful action. With clearer standards and smarter technology, the field is becoming more impactful and accessible than ever.
How can we help
At Samtaler, we understand the importance of your social value commitment. You’re here because you care about your business's impact on society and want to improve. We want you to succeed, and we know from experience that achieving social value requires skill, strategy, and support.
To find out how we can help, send an email to hello@samtaler.co.uk
