"The New Economics Foundation is launching a network today to allow UK ethical investment consultants and researchers to share information on calculating social return on investment...." (read the rest of the article here)

I like this idea - yet as the article ends I too wonder about the validity of qualitative results regarding often intangible commodities (such as workforce goodwill) weighed against the (highly quantifiable) financial bottom line.

Having been a member of Triodos bank for years I understand that social return is a sellable quality to a public yearning for more meaning in their everyday lives.  Incorporating both social and environmental considerations into your long term business plan is something all forward thinking organisations should do, yet presenting this in a 'ROI' context alongside your financial profit margins does feel rather souless.

I'll be really interested to see how the NEF network develops this idea - if it works I would predict widespread adoption of the concept across all sectors.

Source: Third Sector Online