Through 2015/16 NEF Consulting reviewed the effectiveness of The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) as a whole at creating social value within the communities in which it works across three dimensions: social, economic, and environmental.
Background
TCV works across the UK to create healthier and happier communities for everyone ‒ communities where their activities have a lasting impact on people’s health, prospects, and outdoor places.
The outcomes
The research found that in 2013‒2014 TCV generated at least £2.38 of social value for every £1 invested in the form of social, environmental, and economic outcomes including health and wellbeing, increased employability, social connections, and CO2 reductions.
This value is experienced by the volunteers joining TCV programmes and activities and the children and families accessing the outdoor spaces that TCV manages and improves. Positive value is also accrued by the state, in the form of savings to the public purse and to the wider society as we will all benefit from less air pollution and reduced effects of climate change.
Future
The conservative £2.38 return is expected to grow. This will be achieved with an organisational-wide priority to clarify key outcomes and improve data collection methods. Initial areas of strategic focus will be Green Gyms, Employee Community Engagement and the Employment and Training Services.
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