Meaningful Impact Measurement by Skoll Centre

The Insights for Action seminar series explores how researchers and practitioners within and beyond Oxford are using research insights to drive social change.

In this seminar we will discuss how we can ensure impact measurement is useful and meaningful for the individuals, organisations, and communities at the heart of social change, drawing on the experience of The Old Fire Station, a a centre for creativity in Oxford housing two organisations: the homelessness charity Crisis and Arts at the Old Fire Station (AOFS).

The seminar will take place 15:30-16:30, followed by a reception from 16:30-17:30.

Speakers:

Karim Harji is a practitioner, educator, and researcher in impact measurement and impact investing. He is currently the Programme Director of the Oxford Impact Measurement Programme at the Said Business School, University of Oxford as well as the Managing Director at Evalysis, which works with boards and management teams to clarify their impact aspirations and strategies. Karim has also worked with prominent private, public, and social sector organisations; He was the Co-Chair of the Impact Measurement Task Force convened by the Government of Ontario, and a member of the Impact Measurement Working Group of the G8 Social Impact Investment Task Force. Karim also brings substantive experience as a practitioner as co-founder of Purpose Capital (now Rally Assets), the leading impact investment advisory firm in Canada. Karim has made influential contributions to advance knowledge and practice in social impact measurement and impact investing. He has published on industry trends and innovative practices; supported field-building initiatives to promote the value and integrity of impact measurement; and designed education and training programs across established and emerging markets.

Jeremy Spafford is the Director of Old Fire Station, Oxford. Over nearly 12 years the Old Fire Station (OFS) has become a thriving multi-form arts centre in Oxford shared with the homelessness charity, Crisis. It is an unusually deep and productive partnership and has become a nationally recognised model of social inclusion. At the helm of its reputation, the OFS leads a meaningful measurement inquiry focused on practical experimentation and learning. They have developed a storytelling evaluation methodology by working with over 70 partners ranging from local authorities to small community groups, as well as people with lived experience of homelessness or no recourse to public funds, service providers in mental health and homelessness, climate action groups and cultural organisations, funders and commissioners. OFS views meaningful measurement as a vehicle for humanising organisational culture and shifting power. They also produce an annual festival called Marmalade, in partnership with the Skoll World Forum, which brings together people from all over the world to discuss power, relationships and place.

Moderator:

Professor Marya Besharov is Professor of Organisations and Impact and Academic Director of the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship. Her research and teaching focus on leadership, social impact, and hybrid organisations. She engages with leaders and organisations worldwide to help them manage competing demands of social impact and financial performance. Marya received a BA in Social Studies, an MA in Sociology, and a PhD in Organisational Behaviour from Harvard University. She also holds an MBA from Stanford University.