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Send us a text Charles Rapson takes us on a fascinating journey through his accidental discovery of social enterprise and his current mission as Social Economy Growth Lead at West Midlands Combined Authority. With refreshing candour, he shares how he's leveraging his position to champion a sector that employs over 100,000 people and engages 200,000+ volunteers across the West Midlands. The conversation reveals how Charles has successfully shifted perceptions of the social economy within regional government, securing £2.5 million in funding and ensuring social enterprises feature prominently in strategic planning. His innovative place-based approach is rebuilding vital infrastructure by supporting nine organisations to become community hubs where relationships, trust, and partnerships can flourish. We dive deep into the challenges of social value procurement, with Charles articulating a compelling vision for moving beyond tick-box exercises to measuring real impact. His practical strategies - breaking down large contracts into manageable lots, making social value contractual and measurable, recognising intrinsic value alongside additional value - offer a blueprint for procurement that genuinely supports inclusive growth. Looking ahead, Charles outlines his comprehensive ecosystem approach to growing the social economy, encompassing everything from business support and access to finance to education initiatives modelled on Scotland's successful Social Enterprise Academy. His determination to map and understand the region's 9,314 social economy organisations demonstrates a data-driven approach to strategic investment. Whether you're a social entrepreneur seeking opportunities, a public sector professional interested in procurement innovation, or simply curious about how regional economies can become more inclusive, this conversation offers valuable insights into transforming systems from within. Visit the West Midlands Combined Authority website and join their Social Economy Forums to learn more and help shape the future of social enterprise in your region. Support the show Hi, I'm Heidi Fisher, the host of the Make an Impact Podcast. I'm an impact measurement expert, passionate about helping you make a bigger impact in the world by maximising the impact your services have. I can help you to measure, manage and communicate the impact you have better to funders, investors, commissioners and other stakeholders, and to systemise your data collection and analysis so that it frees up time and doesn't become an additional burden. I love helping you to measure social and economic impacts, including Social Return on Investment or value for money assessments, as part of understanding the change you make to peoples' lives. You can get in touch via LinkedIn or the website makeanimpactcic.co.uk if you'd like to find out more about working with me.

Send us a text What happens when a spare bedroom becomes the solution to both loneliness and housing affordability? Lucie Cunningham reveals the life-changing power of intergenerational home sharing in this thought-provoking conversation. After witnessing elderly clients spending 21 hours alone each day in her home care work, Lucie founded THE HomeShare, a social enterprise that matches older homeowners with younger people seeking affordable accommodation. The concept creates a beautifully balanced relationship where elderly participants offer free housing while receiving companionship and practical support in return. "They become buddies, they become friends," Lucie explains, "and they both appreciate each other because they both need each other." The impact is extraordinary. Eighty-three percent of elderly participants, whose average age is 87, report a greater sense of purpose. Hospital admissions drop by 42%, and falls decrease by 50%. One 103-year-old participant proclaimed that instead of "sitting in a nursing home waiting to die," she was enabling a young person to attend university. Meanwhile, younger participants gain affordable housing, with half eventually saving enough to purchase their own homes. Beyond these direct benefits, home sharing creates ripple effects throughout communities. Family members visit "because they want to, not because they have to." Neighbours feel reassured. Healthcare systems experience reduced demand. The arrangement preserves dignity and independence while maximizing underutilized housing stock. Despite proven success and a potential €1.53 return on investment for every euro spent, home sharing still struggles for governmental recognition. Lucie attributes this to fear of the unfamiliar, though THE HomeShare's robust safeguarding processes have prevented any significant issues across hundreds of matches. Connect with Lucie via thehomeshare.ie or explore global options through homeshareinternational.org. Welcome to Make an Impact podcast, where we dive deep into the stories, strategies, and solutions that drive real change. I'm Heidi Fisher and I work with organizations on a mission to tackle poverty, reduce health inequalities, and create lasting social impact. In each episode, I bring you inspiring conversations with change makers, social entrepreneurs, and thought leaders who are making a difference, whether you're looking to boost your impact measurement, learn from innovative projects or Thank you for joining us on this episode of the Make an Impact podcast. I hope you found today's conversation as inspiring and thought provoking as I did. If you enjoyed the episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others who want to create positive change. You can connect with me on LinkedIn and learn more about my work at Makeanimpactcic.co.uk. Until next time, let's keep making an impact in the world. Support the show Hi, I'm Heidi Fisher, the host of the Make an Impact Podcast. I'm an impact measurement expert, passionate about helping you make a bigger impact in the world by maximising the impact your services have. I can help you to measure, manage and communicate the impact you have better to funders, investors, commissioners and other stakeholders, and to systemise your data collection and analysis so that it frees up time and doesn't become an additional burden. I love helping you to measure social and economic impacts, including Social Return on Investment or value for money assessments, as part of understanding the change you make to peoples' lives. You can get in touch via LinkedIn or the website makeanimpactcic.co.uk if you'd like to find out more about working with me.

Send us a text Are companies genuinely committed to creating social impact, or is it all just elaborate PR? In this thought-provoking conversation with Jimmy Cockerton, CEO of Impact Advantage, we cut through the noise surrounding social value measurement to reveal what's really happening beneath the surface. While headlines might suggest companies are retreating from ESG commitments, Jimmy observes the opposite trend behind closed doors - more organisations are recognising how delivering impact connects directly to business success. Yet this enthusiasm often fails to translate into meaningful change. We explore what separates authentic impact-led organisations from those merely seeking positive publicity through one-off community initiatives. The discussion tackles the fundamental flaws in current social value measurement frameworks that encourage box-ticking rather than addressing root causes of social challenges. Through practical examples like employment metrics, we demonstrate how companies can claim substantial "social value" without creating any new impact whatsoever. Of the billions reportedly generated in social value through public procurement, Jimmy provocatively suggests only a tiny fraction represents genuine new value for communities. We also examine the untapped potential of cross-sector collaboration by leveraging what each does best - businesses excel at making money and innovation, while social enterprises better understand communities and delivering impact. However, political short-termism presents a significant barrier to solving complex social issues that require decades of sustained effort rather than quick fixes aligned to electoral cycles. The evidence increasingly shows that businesses prioritising social impact alongside financial returns tend to outperform their peers financially - a compelling case for integrating impact into core strategy rather than treating it as a peripheral activity. Whether you're in business, government, or the social sector, this episode offers critical insights for anyone seeking to move beyond performative metrics toward creating genuine, lasting change. Connect with Jimmy on LinkedIn or visit www.impactadvantage.co.uk to learn more about measuring real social impact that transforms communities and businesses alike. Support the show Hi, I'm Heidi Fisher, the host of the Make an Impact Podcast. I'm an impact measurement expert, passionate about helping you make a bigger impact in the world by maximising the impact your services have. I can help you to measure, manage and communicate the impact you have better to funders, investors, commissioners and other stakeholders, and to systemise your data collection and analysis so that it frees up time and doesn't become an additional burden. I love helping you to measure social and economic impacts, including Social Return on Investment or value for money assessments, as part of understanding the change you make to peoples' lives. You can get in touch via LinkedIn or the website makeanimpactcic.co.uk if you'd like to find out more about working with me.

Send us a text Your voice matters. Right now, significant changes to UK social value requirements are under consultation, and the proposals could fundamentally reshape how social value is delivered through public contracts. The proposed changes create a concerning two-tier system. For contracts over £5 million, social value would become mandatory with a 10% weighting focused primarily on jobs and skills. Meanwhile, smaller contracts would revert to commissioners merely "considering" social value - potentially eliminating requirements entirely for thousands of contracts. This division disadvantages the VCSE sector while benefiting large corporations who can deliver at scale. Mandatory reporting of social value KPIs sounds promising, but again only applies to high-value contracts. The push toward standardised metrics creates a troubling tick-box approach that narrows the scope of social value primarily to employability outcomes. These standardised numerical values further advantage large businesses who can promise greater volume, regardless of whether those interventions genuinely address community needs. The location flexibility proposals aim to distribute social value more widely but may simply reshuffle where benefits are concentrated rather than ensuring equitable distribution. One potential bright spot exists in proposed changes to vulnerable citizens classifications, which could allow more quality-focused commissioning for social care services. The consultation risks further gamifying an already flawed system, where impressive numbers trump meaningful impact. If you care about genuine community benefit and creating a level playing field for smaller organisations, now is the time to speak up. Review the consultation, submit your feedback, and help shape a social value framework that works for everyone - not just those with the deepest pockets. You can find the consultation here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/public-procurement-growi Welcome to Make an Impact podcast, where we dive deep into the stories, strategies, and solutions that drive real change. I'm Heidi Fisher and I work with organizations on a mission to tackle poverty, reduce health inequalities, and create lasting social impact. In each episode, I bring you inspiring conversations with change makers, social entrepreneurs, and thought leaders who are making a difference, whether you're looking to boost your impact measurement, learn from innovative projects or Thank you for joining us on this episode of the Make an Impact podcast. I hope you found today's conversation as inspiring and thought provoking as I did. If you enjoyed the episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others who want to create positive change. You can connect with me on LinkedIn and learn more about my work at Makeanimpactcic.co.uk. Until next time, let's keep making an impact in the world. Support the show Hi, I'm Heidi Fisher, the host of the Make an Impact Podcast. I'm an impact measurement expert, passionate about helping you make a bigger impact in the world by maximising the impact your services have. I can help you to measure, manage and communicate the impact you have better to funders, investors, commissioners and other stakeholders, and to systemise your data collection and analysis so that it frees up time and doesn't become an additional burden. I love helping you to measure social and economic impacts, including Social Return on Investment or value for money assessments, as part of understanding the change you make to peoples' lives. You can get in touch via LinkedIn or the website makeanimpactcic.co.uk if you'd like to find out more about working with me.

Send us a text Emma Smith, founder of Nia Avanna consultancy, reveals why community engagement is the crucial missing link in creating genuine social value. Drawing from her experience working with police forces and later in the private sector, Emma shares practical insights that challenge businesses to move beyond fear and embrace meaningful dialogue with their communities. The conversation dives into why many organisations struggle with engagement – often viewing it as opening a Pandora's box of complaints rather than an opportunity to strengthen relationships and improve operations. Emma dispels these fears with straightforward wisdom: "The issue is still there whether you've engaged or not. If you can be proactive about it, it can make such a difference." What makes this discussion particularly valuable is Emma's practical approach to a subject often wrapped in jargon and complexity. She explains that effective community engagement doesn't require massive investment or specialist skills – it simply demands willingness to listen and respond. This refreshing perspective transforms social value from a corporate obligation into an opportunity for meaningful connection. The episode tackles the disconnect between social value requirements in tenders and the reality of implementation. Emma highlights the challenge of promising specific initiatives years in advance without knowing what communities will actually need. Her solution? Start with your "why," build relationships before problems arise, and focus on creating lasting positive change rather than quick wins. Whether you're a business leader seeking to improve your community relationships, a public sector professional working on social value initiatives, or anyone interested in creating sustainable impact, this conversation offers valuable insights into making engagement work. By following Emma's guidance to "don't decide what's best for communities – go and ask them," we can all contribute to more meaningful social value creation. Ready to transform your approach to community engagement? Connect with Emma through Nia Avanna on social media or visit niaavanna.com to learn more about putting these principles into practice. Support the show Hi, I'm Heidi Fisher, the host of the Make an Impact Podcast. I'm an impact measurement expert, passionate about helping you make a bigger impact in the world by maximising the impact your services have. I can help you to measure, manage and communicate the impact you have better to funders, investors, commissioners and other stakeholders, and to systemise your data collection and analysis so that it frees up time and doesn't become an additional burden. I love helping you to measure social and economic impacts, including Social Return on Investment or value for money assessments, as part of understanding the change you make to peoples' lives. You can get in touch via LinkedIn or the website makeanimpactcic.co.uk if you'd like to find out more about working with me.

Send us a text What if we stopped trying to "fix" the NHS and focused instead on releasing its untapped potential? This episode challenges conventional thinking about healthcare improvement through an eye-opening conversation with GP Ben Allen. Ben offers a refreshing perspective that moves beyond the binary notion of a "broken" NHS, suggesting we focus on continuous optimisation rather than wholesale system transformation. "It's always going to be in various degrees of broken and fixed," he explains, highlighting how the most meaningful changes often emerge from within existing structures when the right approach is taken. Through his dual role as both a practicing GP and healthcare innovator, Ben shares practical strategies that have transformed his practice into "one of the most improved in the country." From creative uses of social media for preventative healthcare to innovative leadership approaches that empower staff to follow principles rather than rigid rules, his methods demonstrate how significant improvements can be achieved without massive structural overhauls. Particularly fascinating is Ben's vision for community-based care through digital forums. By creating Facebook groups where patients can share experiences and receive guidance from both professionals and peers, he's pioneering cost-effective alternatives to resource-intensive consultations. "A one-to-one consultation with a doctor is a very high resource way of getting anything done," he notes, imagining how similar models could transform waiting lists for procedures nationwide. The conversation culminates in a powerful message about leadership and potential. By seeking out people with leadership qualities who wouldn't necessarily put themselves forward and giving them autonomy, Ben has witnessed remarkable transformation. His approach offers hope for anyone working in healthcare: even when resources are constrained, focusing on unleashing potential creates "breathing space" that enables further improvement. Connect with Ben online at benallengp.net, on LinkedIn, Twitter (@BenAllenGP), or read his blogs on Medium to learn more about his innovative approaches to healthcare improvement. Support the show Hi, I'm Heidi Fisher, the host of the Make an Impact Podcast. I'm an impact measurement expert, passionate about helping you make a bigger impact in the world by maximising the impact your services have. I can help you to measure, manage and communicate the impact you have better to funders, investors, commissioners and other stakeholders, and to systemise your data collection and analysis so that it frees up time and doesn't become an additional burden. I love helping you to measure social and economic impacts, including Social Return on Investment or value for money assessments, as part of understanding the change you make to peoples' lives. You can get in touch via LinkedIn or the website makeanimpactcic.co.uk if you'd like to find out more about working with me.

Send us a text Robert Campbell shares the journey of Aspire Media, a creative social enterprise based in Northern Ireland that specialises in photography, videography, and social media services to fund their community TV channel. • Launched in November 2022 after three years of development following a local charity project • Created as a response to negative media portrayals of the local Ballysally estate • Self-sustains through selling services rather than relying on grants • Robert maintains a full-time job alongside running the social enterprise • Named operations director while his business partner Andy serves as creative director • Received "highly commended young person of the year" at the 2023 NI Social Enterprise Awards • Reinvests personal income back into the company rather than taking a wage • Achieved significant success with client social media campaigns, including a TikTok video generating 100k+ views • Accredited as an Open College Network Northern Ireland centre to provide training • Planning to expand training offerings to include social media and digital marketing courses • Future focus includes developing consultancy services alongside their training academy You can find out more about Aspire Media NI at aspiremedia.studio and Aspire Media TV at aspiremedia.tv.  If you enjoyed the episode, please subscribe, leave a review and share it with others who want to create positive change. Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn and learn more about her work at makeanimpactcic.co.uk. Support the show Hi, I'm Heidi Fisher, the host of the Make an Impact Podcast. I'm an impact measurement expert, passionate about helping you make a bigger impact in the world by maximising the impact your services have. I can help you to measure, manage and communicate the impact you have better to funders, investors, commissioners and other stakeholders, and to systemise your data collection and analysis so that it frees up time and doesn't become an additional burden. I love helping you to measure social and economic impacts, including Social Return on Investment or value for money assessments, as part of understanding the change you make to peoples' lives. You can get in touch via LinkedIn or the website makeanimpactcic.co.uk if you'd like to find out more about working with me.

Send us a text Catherine Manning joins us for a paradigm-shifting conversation about how we define, measure, and create value in our world. As Head of Impact Practice at Impact Reporting and Programme Director of Measure Up, Catherine brings a wealth of expertise in translating abstract impact concepts into practical frameworks that organisations can actually implement. The episode challenges our society's overreliance on financial metrics as the primary decision-making tool. Catherine eloquently argues that while financial accounting isn't inherently flawed, it fails to capture the full spectrum of value – our relationships, health, connection to nature, and overall wellbeing. "The judgment of how well you're doing comes down to the financial assessment," she notes, "and it misses out so much of what the purpose and value actually are." We explore how social value measurement is evolving beyond mere compliance with procurement requirements. Catherine shares her vision where organisations move from "ticking boxes" to embedding social value in their DNA – transforming it from a short bus journey to a meaningful ongoing commitment. This shift requires both structural changes in how we account for value and cultural changes in how we perceive success. The conversation illuminates the ground breaking work of Measure Up, which demystifies social value measurement by providing accessible, transparent tools for practitioners. Their innovative approach offers graded measurement levels (bronze, silver, gold) that acknowledge different organizational capacities while encouraging progress. "Part of the point of publishing this is to take the mystique away," Catherine explains, "It's your value, not the expert's." Whether you're a seasoned impact professional or just beginning to explore how your work creates change, this episode offers both philosophical insights and practical approaches to measuring what truly matters. By reimagining our systems of value, we open possibilities for a more equitable, sustainable future where economic activities serve human and environmental wellbeing rather than the reverse. Subscribe now to continue exploring how we can collectively make an impact that transcends financial bottom lines and creates meaningful, lasting change in our communities. Support the show Hi, I'm Heidi Fisher, the host of the Make an Impact Podcast. I'm an impact measurement expert, passionate about helping you make a bigger impact in the world by maximising the impact your services have. I can help you to measure, manage and communicate the impact you have better to funders, investors, commissioners and other stakeholders, and to systemise your data collection and analysis so that it frees up time and doesn't become an additional burden. I love helping you to measure social and economic impacts, including Social Return on Investment or value for money assessments, as part of understanding the change you make to peoples' lives. You can get in touch via LinkedIn or the website makeanimpactcic.co.uk if you'd like to find out more about working with me.

Send us a text Discover how Beacon Family Services is transforming children's mental health care in the latest episode of the Make an Impact podcast. Join me as I speak with Charlotte, the founder of this remarkable organisation dedicated to providing therapeutic family support in the West Midlands. With around 70% of children not receiving adequate mental health services, Charlotte shares her journey of establishing an innovative approach to therapy that centres on play, connection, and community. In this episode, we delve into the crucial work being done to support families through play therapy while also highlighting the urgent need for accessible resources, especially during and after the pandemic. Charlotte explains how her organisation employs both traditional methods and digital tools, including the highly praised Lumin&us app, which serves as a vital resource for families to aid early mental health concerns. The conversation emphasises the significance of measuring the impact of therapeutic work on families and discusses innovative ways to gather meaningful feedback. We explore how parents can feel empowered by engaging actively in their children's emotional development through play, fostering a sense of safety and trust within families. Charlotte shares the importance of community partnerships and how collaborative efforts can address mental health crises more effectively. Charlotte's dedication to improving mental health care in children and families resonates throughout our discussion, igniting hope and a call to action for better support systems in our communities. Tune in for a deep dive into these pressing issues, and be inspired to join the movement for better mental health services for our children and families.  Don’t forget to check out the Lumin&us app for a valuable tool in navigating parenting challenges.  You can access the app via https://luminusfamilywellbeing.com/ And the dis Welcome to Make an Impact podcast, where we dive deep into the stories, strategies, and solutions that drive real change. I'm Heidi Fisher and I work with organizations on a mission to tackle poverty, reduce health inequalities, and create lasting social impact. In each episode, I bring you inspiring conversations with change makers, social entrepreneurs, and thought leaders who are making a difference, whether you're looking to boost your impact measurement, learn from innovative projects or Thank you for joining us on this episode of the Make an Impact podcast. I hope you found today's conversation as inspiring and thought provoking as I did. If you enjoyed the episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others who want to create positive change. You can connect with me on LinkedIn and learn more about my work at Makeanimpactcic.co.uk. Until next time, let's keep making an impact in the world. Support the show Hi, I'm Heidi Fisher, the host of the Make an Impact Podcast. I'm an impact measurement expert, passionate about helping you make a bigger impact in the world by maximising the impact your services have. I can help you to measure, manage and communicate the impact you have better to funders, investors, commissioners and other stakeholders, and to systemise your data collection and analysis so that it frees up time and doesn't become an additional burden. I love helping you to measure social and economic impacts, including Social Return on Investment or value for money assessments, as part of understanding the change you make to peoples' lives. You can get in touch via LinkedIn or the website makeanimpactcic.co.uk if you'd like to find out more about working with me.

Send us a text Gabriela Matouskova from Hope for the Community shares her inspiring journey from the initial challenges of the pandemic to embracing technology for transformative community care. Through innovative partnerships and focus on measurement of impact, Hope for the Community has supported over 30,000 individuals, navigating the delicate balance of emotional and social support alongside practical solutions. Gabriela's unexpected journey into social enterprise The role of technology in overcoming pandemic challenges Growth of digital services supporting long-term conditions Importance of collaborative partnerships in community outreach Emphasis on measuring impact and user experience Future plans focused on technology integration and sustainability Call to action for organisations seeking to innovate responsiblyWelcome to Make an Impact podcast, where we dive deep into the stories, strategies, and solutions that drive real change. I'm Heidi Fisher and I work with organizations on a mission to tackle poverty, reduce health inequalities, and create lasting social impact. In each episode, I bring you inspiring conversations with change makers, social entrepreneurs, and thought leaders who are making a difference, whether you're looking to boost your impact measurement, learn from innovative projects or Thank you for joining us on this episode of the Make an Impact podcast. I hope you found today's conversation as inspiring and thought provoking as I did. If you enjoyed the episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others who want to create positive change. You can connect with me on LinkedIn and learn more about my work at Makeanimpactcic.co.uk. Until next time, let's keep making an impact in the world. Support the show Hi, I'm Heidi Fisher, the host of the Make an Impact Podcast. I'm an impact measurement expert, passionate about helping you make a bigger impact in the world by maximising the impact your services have. I can help you to measure, manage and communicate the impact you have better to funders, investors, commissioners and other stakeholders, and to systemise your data collection and analysis so that it frees up time and doesn't become an additional burden. I love helping you to measure social and economic impacts, including Social Return on Investment or value for money assessments, as part of understanding the change you make to peoples' lives. You can get in touch via LinkedIn or the website makeanimpactcic.co.uk if you'd like to find out more about working with me.

Send us a text Can social data revolutionise healthcare? Join us as we uncover the incredible journey of Miranda Mapleton, CEO of White Swan, a charity that's leveraging anonymised social data and AI to transform patient care. Discover how a personal story involving the a friend's sister's rare condition ignited a movement to improve health outcomes through innovative technology. Miranda walks us through her transition from a marketing executive to leading a team of 130 passionate volunteers, all driven by the mission to make healthcare more effective and accessible. We'll explore the ground-breaking work White Swan is doing in collaboration with universities, charities, and commercial organisations, and how their bespoke projects and reports are making a real impact. Learn about the rapid advancements in AI, specifically Large Language Models, and how they're enhancing data processes to benefit patient care. Miranda also shares White Swan's future ambitions to democratise their data for academic research and expand partnerships, emphasising the critical role of client feedback and returning clients. Tune in to be inspired by how data and technology are paving the way for a healthier future. Welcome to Make an Impact podcast, where we dive deep into the stories, strategies, and solutions that drive real change. I'm Heidi Fisher and I work with organizations on a mission to tackle poverty, reduce health inequalities, and create lasting social impact. In each episode, I bring you inspiring conversations with change makers, social entrepreneurs, and thought leaders who are making a difference, whether you're looking to boost your impact measurement, learn from innovative projects or Thank you for joining us on this episode of the Make an Impact podcast. I hope you found today's conversation as inspiring and thought provoking as I did. If you enjoyed the episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others who want to create positive change. You can connect with me on LinkedIn and learn more about my work at Makeanimpactcic.co.uk. Until next time, let's keep making an impact in the world. Support the show Hi, I'm Heidi Fisher, the host of the Make an Impact Podcast. I'm an impact measurement expert, passionate about helping you make a bigger impact in the world by maximising the impact your services have. I can help you to measure, manage and communicate the impact you have better to funders, investors, commissioners and other stakeholders, and to systemise your data collection and analysis so that it frees up time and doesn't become an additional burden. I love helping you to measure social and economic impacts, including Social Return on Investment or value for money assessments, as part of understanding the change you make to peoples' lives. You can get in touch via LinkedIn or the website makeanimpactcic.co.uk if you'd like to find out more about working with me.

Send us a text In this episode, Heidi Fisher is joined by Johnathan Parsons, Managing Director and Consultant Clinical Scientist at Chime Social Enterprise. Chime is an NHS Audiology Service that utilised the Government Right to Request scheme to spin out as a not-for-profit Social Enterprise, having spun out 12 years ago under the "right to request" legislation.  Owned by its staff, the organisation has a direct contract with the ICB for audiology services in the region. Heidi and Johnathan discuss the challenges, benefits, and ongoing success of Chime Audiology's transition to a social enterprise within the NHS.  Their conversation also covers:  Recognition of potential efficiencies beyond NHS supply chain protocols.The importance of flexibility, adaptation, and embracing change.Chime's impact report and its effectiveness in demonstrating the value of their services. What next? Visit Chime's website: www.chimehealth.co.ukNeed help with your Impact Measurement and Management? More about Heidi's work at  www.makeanimpactcic.co.uk Welcome to Make an Impact podcast, where we dive deep into the stories, strategies, and solutions that drive real change. I'm Heidi Fisher and I work with organizations on a mission to tackle poverty, reduce health inequalities, and create lasting social impact. In each episode, I bring you inspiring conversations with change makers, social entrepreneurs, and thought leaders who are making a difference, whether you're looking to boost your impact measurement, learn from innovative projects or Thank you for joining us on this episode of the Make an Impact podcast. I hope you found today's conversation as inspiring and thought provoking as I did. If you enjoyed the episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others who want to create positive change. You can connect with me on LinkedIn and learn more about my work at Makeanimpactcic.co.uk. Until next time, let's keep making an impact in the world. Support the show Hi, I'm Heidi Fisher, the host of the Make an Impact Podcast. I'm an impact measurement expert, passionate about helping you make a bigger impact in the world by maximising the impact your services have. I can help you to measure, manage and communicate the impact you have better to funders, investors, commissioners and other stakeholders, and to systemise your data collection and analysis so that it frees up time and doesn't become an additional burden. I love helping you to measure social and economic impacts, including Social Return on Investment or value for money assessments, as part of understanding the change you make to peoples' lives. You can get in touch via LinkedIn or the website makeanimpactcic.co.uk if you'd like to find out more about working with me.

Send us a text In this episode, Heidi Fisher sits down with Rhonda Lovell, founder of Wellington Counselling, to explore Rhonda's journey from her early career in gender studies to becoming a therapist and establishing a community-focused counselling centre. Highlights from the discussion include: Organic growth of Wellington CounsellingCommunity support and collaborationPandemic Challenges and the surge in demand for counselling servicesOnline platforms for service delivery and adapting to the changing landscape of therapeutic supportBalancing grant dependency and traded incomeEstablishing a High Street Community Well-being Centre Tune in to hear Rhonda's powerful message on the enduring challenges of expressing emotions in society, the urgency to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and how to embrace genuine self-kindness as an essential practice. What next? Visit The  Wellington Counselling website: www.wellington-counselling.co.ukNeed help with your Impact Measurement and Management? More about Heidi's work at  www.makeanimpactcic.co.ukWelcome to Make an Impact podcast, where we dive deep into the stories, strategies, and solutions that drive real change. I'm Heidi Fisher and I work with organizations on a mission to tackle poverty, reduce health inequalities, and create lasting social impact. In each episode, I bring you inspiring conversations with change makers, social entrepreneurs, and thought leaders who are making a difference, whether you're looking to boost your impact measurement, learn from innovative projects or Thank you for joining us on this episode of the Make an Impact podcast. I hope you found today's conversation as inspiring and thought provoking as I did. If you enjoyed the episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others who want to create positive change. You can connect with me on LinkedIn and learn more about my work at Makeanimpactcic.co.uk. Until next time, let's keep making an impact in the world. Support the show Hi, I'm Heidi Fisher, the host of the Make an Impact Podcast. I'm an impact measurement expert, passionate about helping you make a bigger impact in the world by maximising the impact your services have. I can help you to measure, manage and communicate the impact you have better to funders, investors, commissioners and other stakeholders, and to systemise your data collection and analysis so that it frees up time and doesn't become an additional burden. I love helping you to measure social and economic impacts, including Social Return on Investment or value for money assessments, as part of understanding the change you make to peoples' lives. You can get in touch via LinkedIn or the website makeanimpactcic.co.uk if you'd like to find out more about working with me.

Send us a text The Parenting Apart Programme is an early intervention that prevents long-term negative impacts on children’s emotional health and well-being when their parents separate or divorce. In this episode, Managing Director Claire Field and Parenting Apart Consultant Kam Kaur share their insights into their innovative approach with Heidi. From organisational development to logistics and challenges to positive outcomes, this conversation highlights the importance of bringing parents together to foster respectful post-separation relationships.  Dive into the emotional aspects of co-parenting, embracing individuality, and the challenges of collaborating with statutory agencies. Learn about the role of mediation, practitioner training, and the funding challenges faced by this vital service. The Parenting Apart Programme's critical role in prioritising children's well-being and advocating for a collaborative, supportive approach. Tune in for a powerful conversation on transforming mindsets and creating and reporting on positive impacts for families. What next? Visit The Parenting Apart Programme website: https://www.parentingapartprogramme.co.uk/ Find Kam and Claire on LinkedInNeed help with your Impact Measurement and Management? More about Heidi's work at  https://www.makeanimpactcic.co.ukWelcome to Make an Impact podcast, where we dive deep into the stories, strategies, and solutions that drive real change. I'm Heidi Fisher and I work with organizations on a mission to tackle poverty, reduce health inequalities, and create lasting social impact. In each episode, I bring you inspiring conversations with change makers, social entrepreneurs, and thought leaders who are making a difference, whether you're looking to boost your impact measurement, learn from innovative projects or Thank you for joining us on this episode of the Make an Impact podcast. I hope you found today's conversation as inspiring and thought provoking as I did. If you enjoyed the episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others who want to create positive change. You can connect with me on LinkedIn and learn more about my work at Makeanimpactcic.co.uk. Until next time, let's keep making an impact in the world. Support the show Hi, I'm Heidi Fisher, the host of the Make an Impact Podcast. I'm an impact measurement expert, passionate about helping you make a bigger impact in the world by maximising the impact your services have. I can help you to measure, manage and communicate the impact you have better to funders, investors, commissioners and other stakeholders, and to systemise your data collection and analysis so that it frees up time and doesn't become an additional burden. I love helping you to measure social and economic impacts, including Social Return on Investment or value for money assessments, as part of understanding the change you make to peoples' lives. You can get in touch via LinkedIn or the website makeanimpactcic.co.uk if you'd like to find out more about working with me.

Send us a text What's the sign of an organisation that wants to realise the best for patients? It's something Dr. Linda Harris, a GP and the founding CEO of Spectrum Community Health CIC sees in droves everyday. And if you want to magnify your impact, whether in health and wellbeing, in working with vulnerable communities or across the gamut of social enterprises' outcomes, this episode is a must-listen. Linda is candid about her biggest learnings since Spectrum launched over 12 years ago. Why is growth good? How do you balance impact and scaling up? What should a maturing organisation let go of – and what must it embrace? She tells Heidi about the 'golden threads' Spectrum pulls together to provide quality healthcare for people in vulnerable circumstances and the three areas this CQC-regulated provider focuses on, and why. There's more. How do you attract and retain high quality team members? Why is communicating impact internally so important? And how is Spectrum addressing health inequalities? Heidi and Linda also cover the balance between leadership and luck, natural curveballs that lead to a compete paradigm shift, and the role and use of AI in impact and healthcare. What next? Visit the Spectrum Community Health CIC website: https://spectrum-cic.org.uk/Find Linda on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dr-linda-harris-82379938Need help with your Impact Measurement and Management? More about Heidi's work at  https://www.makeanimpactcic.co.ukSupport the show Hi, I'm Heidi Fisher, the host of the Make an Impact Podcast. I'm an impact measurement expert, passionate about helping you make a bigger impact in the world by maximising the impact your services have. I can help you to measure, manage and communicate the impact you have better to funders, investors, commissioners and other stakeholders, and to systemise your data collection and analysis so that it frees up time and doesn't become an additional burden. I love helping you to measure social and economic impacts, including Social Return on Investment or value for money assessments, as part of understanding the change you make to peoples' lives. You can get in touch via LinkedIn or the website makeanimpactcic.co.uk if you'd like to find out more about working with me.