Understanding impact in social investments

Thames Rivers Trust / The Rivers Trust (Paul Colley)

Understanding the impact of our social investments is critical for our learning and ensuring that we are an effective investor. In a new report, we outline how we assess the difference each social investment is intended to make, how we track its progress over time, and how that shapes our learning as an investor.

View the report in full-screen or click the button in the top left hand corner to download.

By sharing our thinking and learning so far, we hope other social investors considering similar questions will find it useful. We are still at an early stage of this work and would welcome feedback, as well as the opportunity to learn from others about what they're doing on understanding impact.

Do get in touch by emailing: communications@esmeefairbairn.org.uk.

Learn more

Latest

You might be interested in

  • Group of people at a 'reimagining leadership' residential hosted by Common Purpose and Makani Cambridge

    What’s needed for equitable and diverse leadership in the environment sector

    In a guest blog, Azzam Al Kassir from Makani Cambridge shares reflections on the work they’ve been leading on with Common Purpose to co-design a leadership programme to support a more equitable and diverse environment sector, and why an ecosystem approach is needed.

    Read more
  • Esmée staff looking at the site at Ubele Wolves Lane

    Esmée staff and Trustee diversity data 2025

    Analysis from the 2025 diversity survey of Esmée Trustees and staff to help us track progress on diversity, equity and inclusion within the organisation.

    Read more
  • Group of people at a 'reimagining leadership' residential hosted by Common Purpose and Makani Cambridge

    Reimagining leadership in the environment sector webinar, 29 January

    Join us for a webinar on 29 January with Common Purpose and Makani Cambridge who have been leading work to reimagine leadership in the environment sector to support a more diverse and equitable sector. We'll also be sharing more about next steps and how you can get involved.

    Read more