The Metric Library

The Metric Library holds all metrics within the Impact Evaluation Standard (IES): approximately 167 metrics, organised across 15 impact areas, around 60 of which carry proxy values.

Figure 1 The Metric Library, with the Impact Evaluation Standard selected

The Metric Library is laid out in three parts:

• Search bar (top): find metrics by code or keyword (see ‘Searching for Metrics’).
• Model list (left): the frameworks available to view metrics through, including the Impact Evaluation Standard, PPN 0620, PPN 002, the PPN 0620 and PPN 002 Social Value MACs, and the Sustainable Development Goals. The selected model is highlighted with a blue bar. The + Create Model button sits underneath.
• Impact Areas (right): The impact areas within the selected model organise the metrics into smaller groups, making it easy to navigate to the social value activity you need. Taking the Impact Evaluation Standard as an example, these include Employment Opportunities, Formal Training, Informal Training, Supply Chain Resilience, Community Investment and Placemaking.

Browsing Metrics

Select the arrow beside an impact area to expand it and reveal its metric groupings. In the example below, Employment Opportunities expands into Creating Jobs (FTE), Creating Jobs (Headcount), Recruiting Inclusively (FTE) and Recruiting Inclusively (Headcount).

Figure 2 Employment Opportunities expanded to show the Creating Jobs (FTE) metrics

Expanding a grouping lists its individual metrics. Each metric has a unique identifier in bold, followed by its description, for example:

• IM18: number of non-local full-time equivalent (FTE) employment opportunities created.
• IM19: number of local full-time equivalent (FTE) employment opportunities created.

Three icons sit on the right of each metric:

The information panel opens on the right-hand side of the screen. It is split into collapsible sections that can be opened and closed using the arrows, and includes:

Figure 3 The metric information panel for IM18

• Beneficiary: who the metric is intended to benefit, for example Individual (New Employee).
• Instructions for this metric: how the metric should be applied, including what qualifies, when a claim can be made (for IM18, from the 13-week point and for up to one year of employment), and related metrics where an additional claim may be possible.
• Calculation guidance: where relevant, the formula used and a worked example. For FTE metrics, this is based on a 35-hour working week across a 52-week year.
• Evidence guidance: the supporting evidence expected for a claim.

Select the X in the top right corner to close the panel and return to the library.

 Searching for Metrics

Type into the search bar to filter the library. You can search by metric number (for example, IM123) or by theme or keyword (for example, training or volunteering). Only matching impact areas, groupings and metrics remain on screen.

Figure 4 Searching for "Training" filters the library to related metrics

In the example above, searching for "Training" returns the Formal Training impact area, with metrics grouped under Creating Training Opportunities (IM26, IM29 and IM142) and Retaining Training Opportunities (IM156).

Viewing Metrics by Model

Selecting a different model from the list on the left re-presents the same metric set aligned to that framework. This makes it easy to see how your activity maps to, for example, PPN 002 or the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Figure 5 PPN 002 selected, showing its five missions

When PPN 002 is selected, the metrics are organised under its five missions:

• Break Down Barriers to Opportunity
• Build an NHS Fit for the Future
• Kickstart Economic Growth
• Make Britain a Clean Energy Superpower
• Take Back Our Streets

Expand any mission to see the metrics that align to it.

Custom Models and Metrics

Where an organisation tracks an activity that sits outside the IES, custom models and output-only custom metrics can be created to capture it. Speak to the Thrive team before setting these up, so that they are named and structured consistently across your organisation.