From November 2009 to November 2011 greenspace scotland worked with ten community groups on the ‘greenspace is good – so prove it!’ SROI Programme funded by the Big Lottery Fund research programme. The programme and additional funding by Scottish Natural Heritage enabled 14 SROI analyses of a range of greenspace activities to be produced.

During the two-year research programme greenspace scotland worked closely with the SROI network UK, which promotes the use and development of the Social Return on Investment methodology internationally. One of the objectives of the SROI Network is to develop more consistency in the use of SROI through the processes of assurance and accreditation. As a result of the programme two reports were assured and greenspace scotland now has its own accredited SROI practitioner in the staff team, Karen Carrick. 

Assurance means the analysis has been independently checked by qualified assessors and assured by a panel to have been prepared in line with the principles of SROI and is therefore to a consistent standard.

An accredited practitioner is a member recognised by the Network as having completed training and provided evidence that they understand and can apply the principles of SROI by having submitted an SROI analysis that has met the requirements of the assurance process.

We are continuing to find ways of using a SROI approach to value greenspaces and the activities they support. We also offer SROI consultancy services and training.

To find out more about our current contracts and programmes please contact Karen Carrick, our SROI programme manager.