SROI

We undertook a Social Return on Investment (SROI) study of our Broadcast and Digital Programmes (BDP) with research agency Social Change UK.

SROI is an evaluation methodology that uses the outcomes of a given activity to understand and quantify the ‘value’ that it creates – or destroys – in economic, social and environmental terms.

BDP covers a range of disciplines, including film, TV, livestreaming and a host of digital projects. Alongside this, we run the award-winning audio platform, Transmission Roundhouse that develops and presents incredible podcasts.

Social Change UK spoke to young people who took part in a range of broadcast and digital opportunities, to reflect on the outcomes they’d experienced since working with us. You can see some of the results below, as well as the areas that accounted for the greatest social value, and what useful learnings this presents.

READ THE REPORT

Every £1 invested in film and digital projects, generates £42.25 of social value

From an £85,000 investment, nearly £2.9m of social value is created

Every £1 invested in audio projects, generates £21.88 of social value

From an £85,000 investment, nearly £900k of social value is created

These incredibly high values show the phenomenal impact creative projects can have on young people - from self-belief to securing work. We shouldn't underestimate the importance of young people having access to creative opportunities at every stage of their development. Young people gain valuable technical and transferable skills; for many. free participation is key to career opportunities in the creative industries. When everyone has equitable access, we can raise the creative potential of the whole of the UK and generate millions of pounds worth of social value.

— Derek Richards, Head of Broadcast and Digital, Roundhouse

Film and digital outcomes

Film and digital projects evidenced the incredible impact on career progression, social support and individual development. The most significant changes for young people included:

Having evidence for their showreel
Connection with creative industries
Gaining technical skills which they now apply in their careers
Increased confidence and resilience to pursue a career in film/TV

Audio outcomes

The areas that had the highest social value per person on the audio projects, and those that were ranked as the most important to young people were:

Assurance they can competently complete their own work
Pride in completed work
Self-belief in their creative ability
Transferable skills such as public speaking
Being endorsed by the Roundhouse