Skip to main content
Create an account for suggestions personalised to you and your organisation
Articles & Reports
1 minute read

The compass: your guide to social impact measurement

This guide provides a comprehensive framework for measuring and reporting social impact. It outlines key concepts and approaches to understanding outcomes and assessing the value created through programs and activities.

The resource supports organisations to build structured approaches to impact measurement, enabling clearer reporting and stronger evidence of outcomes for stakeholders and funders.

Benefits for volunteer managers

  • supports effective measurement of program and volunteer impact
  • demonstrate value and social impact of volunteering to stakeholders and funders
  • strengthen evaluation and continuous improvement practices of programs.

How to apply this resource

This guide is most useful when developing evaluation frameworks, reporting outcomes, strengthening impact measurement, or supporting funding and advocacy activities.

Downloads and sources

More about the author

University-based collaboration delivering research, education and tools to support social impact initiatives and organisations.

Contribute to the Gateway

Leave feedback

Was this resource useful?

Make a Suggestion

If you find a great resource that isn't in the directory or want to provide feedback on the Volunteering Gateway, drop us a line!

More like this

FreddyMatch
Tech

FreddyMatch

FreddyMatch is a web-based platform that facilitates and optimises the process of volunteering. We help match organisations and volunteers based on their unique interests, skill sets, location and availability using the “FreddyMatch” algorithm.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Task management Compliance Reporting Resource management Social media Event management
MyPass
Tech

MyPass

MyPass is volunteer onboarding and compliance management software centred around a digital Skills Passport, designed to help volunteer involving organisations (VIOs) reduce their risk and cost of operations.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Communication / engagement Compliance Reporting Resource management Event management
Better Impact
Tech

Better Impact

Better Impact offers a comprehensive software solution for volunteer program management, to simplify administrative tasks and enhance volunteer engagement across every stage of the volunteer lifecycle.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Compliance Reporting Social media Donations
scheduled

Values Based Leadership

Values should be more than just words on a wall. Well-developed and defined organisational values can shape culture, guide action, and become one of your strongest tools for attracting volunteers.
Volunteering Victoria
Free
on-demand

Certificate IV in Coordination of Volunteer Programs

Nationally recognised qualification for people who manage volunteers. Over a 12-month period, develop leadership and management skills to lead volunteers, or formalise your experience.
Volunteering Queensland
Peak body members: $1950. Standard course fee: $3,500.
scheduled

Bridge to Volunteering - An introduction to volunteering

Learn about volunteering including the benefits of volunteering, rights and responsibilities, and how to get involved in your community.
The Centre for Volunteering
Free