The Liverpool City Region: Spatial Development Strategy

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) is a statutory planning document that provides a strategic plan for the development and use of land across six local authorities. The SDS will set out an integrated economic, environmental, transport and social framework for the development of the Liverpool City Region.

RealWorth has a long-running appointment with the LCRCA to deliver an ongoing social value evaluation of the SDS. Since 2019, RealWorth has been tasked with evaluating the social value of every policy within the SDS at every stage in its development, to ensure that it considers social impacts in areas such as health and wellbeing, as well as their economic outcomes.

Case study

The Social Hub: European Impact Evaluation

The Social Hub (TSH) brand provides hotels, student accommodation and co-working spaces, creating a more connected community. Adding to 21 locations around Europe, TSH wants to improve its social, economic and environmental performance across Europe and has developed plans to upgrade and expand its sites.

To support the assessment of current sites and future plans, TSH contacted RealWorth to demonstrate the social value of different sites across Europe, RealWorth measured and analysed the social change caused by projects and programmes using Social Return On Investment (SROI).

This analysis assisted the TSH sites in demonstrating the benefits of existing sites to its stakeholders and host cities by creating a range of social impact activities. The analysis indicated that the planned improvements could enhance the social value that these locations have brought to their surrounding areas. To date, RealWorth have worked with TSH across multiple sites in Spain, the Netherlands and Scotland.

Case study

Young Voices: Economic and Social Impact Evaluation

Young Voices are the largest school choir in the world. Their programme links skill and educational development to the power of music and has developed a reputation amongst educators and venues that sees repeat and increased participation year on year, making a positive impact on those involved and their wider community.

To explain the impact the choir has on its young people, Young Voices tasked RealWorth in collaboration with Sound Diplomacy to understand the economic and social value of 27 concerts between January and February 2023. RealWorth conducted a Social Return on Investment study and calculated the value of the social impact of music education. Over time, our report will allow Young Voices to expand its reach and make the project even more accessible to children from all backgrounds.

Case study