Registration is now open for the second meeting in the Business Impact for Good Series on 10th July 2012 in London co-hosted by the Business Innovation Facility.

The meeting will explore the following questions

• What can we learn from current business impact studies on how businesses contribute to global and local development objectives?
• What is the business case for companies to assess their development results? How can businesses harness impact assessment to drive continuous performance improvements that generate greater development impact?
• How can we balance the need for rigour in impact assessment with the operational realities of local business operations and the demands of business planning and decision making cycles?
• What is the scope for closer collaboration between business and development organisations in the development of a more aligned and consistent set of impact measurement indicators and processes?
• What are the 3-4 most important opportunities to improve practice in the next year?

Speakers include:

• Caroline Ashley, Learning and Results Manager, Business Innovation Facility
• Jon Samuel, Head of Social Performance, Anglo American
• Clara Barby, Head of Impact, Bridges Ventures
• Chair: Simon Maxwell, Research Fellow, ODI

Background

In an environment that is increasingly focused on how the contribution of the private sector to development can become more inclusive and sustainable, finding ways to better understand and enhance the economic and social impact of business is attracting growing interest amongst businesses, governments and development partners. There is a growing evidence base on the positive impact that businesses are having on development – not least by generating jobs, taxes and economic opportunities for communities, suppliers, distributors and consumers.

But there is widespread consensus that we need to know much more about how different businesses and business models deliver development impact at the local level. Understanding that impact is important for strengthening the business case for doing more in this important area, and provides greater clarity for businesses, governments and donors on how to invest and target resources most effectively, and how to develop a supportive policy environment.

Given the potential cost and complexity of tracking results or undertaking impact assessments, a key consideration is also to ensure the tools recognize the operational realities and needs of the business. We also need to become better at translating measurement of results in to continuous business operation and improved performance.

Coinciding with the launch of the latest version of Anglo American’s Socio Economic Assessment Toolbox (SEAT), this event will examine how businesses are integrating assessment of their development results into their planning, key performance indicators, decision making and reporting, in ways that enable greater alignment between business strategy and local development outcomes. The scope for greater development organisation and business collaboration in this area will also be examined.

Find out more and register here.