Ask the Expert Session#1: Jeremy Nicholls

[Noelle Lim]

Hi Jeremy, I am preparing an impact report on efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in workplaces. What are some best practices I could refer to prepare the said report? Thanks! Noelle

[Dewi Ayuningtyas]

Hi Jeremy,

I have question regarding IMM.

1. ESG vs IMM vs SROI, when to use them and how the industry can leverage them?

2. For the small business that still focus to sustain the business, how they could define better outcomes?

[Porm Keosamone]

Hi. I’m excited about this webinar. Allow me to ask one simple question.

In development, many donors/funding countries seem to have their own logical models which do not necessarily follow the more standized model of input-output-outcome-and-impact. This lack of consensus really affects how projects are measured. What would be your advice for implementing countries/organizations in meeting such idiosyncracy or if funding organizations should harmonize their logical models, and if so, how could implementing organization influence them?

[Caroline Ang]

Dear Jeremy, I have 2 questions:

1. For small organisations with a lean team, how can they effectively balance their resources between running day to day operations and measuring social impact? What are the tradeoffs between lean data collection methods and assessing the impact made by the organisation?

2. Are there any merits in benchmarking one organisation’s social impact (either in terms of specific indicators or SDG goals) against an international/regional standard (if any exists)? How does an organisation determine if their impact is “good enough”?

Thank you.

[Spandana Nandamuri]

These are great questions Ms Ang!

Dear Jeremy, thank you for this opportunity to learn from you. Adding on to Ms Ang’s questions,

1. How important do you think is quantitative/scientific measurement of environmental impact in self-assessment, and how can small enterprises do so considering current tools, emission calculators, and assessment services are cost-intensive?

2. Do you think cross-sector and cross-country comparison is key in performance analysis and goal-setting for enterprises? If so, how can we ensure fair comparison, considering sector-specific and country-specific nuances might affect the extent of contribution towards the SDGs?

Thank you, looking forward to your thoughts!

[David Vivian]

Hi Jeremy

I’d like to get some practical tips on how to integrate SDGs from Strategy level through to business planning right through to individual projects and performance management.

[Anthony Budiman]

Dear Jeremy,

Thank you for the opportunity, but I have been wondering how do you measure impact, especially when indicators in the SDG (national level) sometimes uses a different unit of measure than what the company’s programs are contributing.

Alternatively how do we choose external data proxy that can help us measure our impact, so as to give a good estimate on how we are doing so far, when our unit of measure is not necessarily apple to apple to existing national indicators?

[Soklang Chhuon]

Dear Jeremy,

I have a question for you. After reviewing the 3 modules, I am not clear what are the differences between results-based management and managing impact performance.

Best,

Soklang

[Alice Lo]

Hi Jeremy, I’d like to know how is measuring SDGs different in Asia vs. the rest of the world? Also, are there challenges unique to impact measurements in Asia?

[Sinni Lim]

Would you be able to share insights into how to think about interim milestones for impact measurement, to be able to assess shorter term/interim impact?

[Wei Shan Koh]

Hi Jeremy, how can we guide younger startups/social enterprises to incorporate impact measurement, set progress targets, and report regularly in a way that does not take too much resources?

[Safe Wongsunopparat]

Dear Jeremy,

Thank you for your time and the opportunity to ask questions.

1. Are there any innovative tools/ systems you would recommend to make it easier for organisations to capture, report and benchmark SDGs data?

2. Investors are becoming more sophisticated and demand greater insight on the impact of their investments. How can an organisation utilise IMM to tell better impact story and create unique ‘investor journey’?

3. Any best practices to transition investees (especially SMEs where their operational resources and capacity are already stretched) m from output mindsets to outcomes, and towards IMM and SDGs?

Many thanks Jeremy,

Safe

[Leo Lee]

Dear Jeremy,

We’re a small family office with some impact investments in our investment portfolio. Our investments include equity and debt as well. Should we use the same framework for both equity and debt investments?

[Han Peng Ho]

Hi Jeremy,

In your experience, what have been the significant leverage points that would spur organizations into adopting impact standards more seriously and meaningfully? Such organizations, for example, could be luxury hotels which have a significant percentage of employees from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds, non-profits that have historically measured success by output rather than outcomes indicators, or public agencies that are driven more by political agendas than sustainable development outcomes. Also, in introducing impact measurement and management to a program or organization, what are the pros and cons of doing a complete overhaul vs gradual tweaks over time?

Many thanks!

Han