Investors asked to reimagine impact measurement to capture real-world equality impact
In November 2021, EIIP is to convene strategic impact measurement actors from both investing and equality and human rights, to explore where impact management practices need to be further developed to advance equality, and how EIIP and others can progress this.
Given that equality impact investing ultimately aims to tackle structural inequality, to effect change, what principles, processes and measures within impact management practice are needed to ensure that investors are maximizing their impact on inequality? In a roundtable discussion, we will explore this question and formulate some practical responses.
EIIP exists to build the field, and increase levels, of equality impact investing. Our work to date has identified adapting both current and emergent IMM practices and norms as key to progressing this agenda. In particular, we are keen to bridge what traditionally has been a disconnect between the extent, and how, the equality and human rights and investing sectors consider and measure in/equality impact.
In this context EIIP has a dedicated programme of work looking at identifying and/or developing new IMM practice and norms that can support equality impact. Whilst this has resulted in some significant work, such as the UK investment wholesaler BSC's recent review of its Outcomes Matrix, and several individual funds developing their practice, we think a more fundamental and far-reaching change is needed.
Specifically, we hope to:
• Identify where there are opportunities to adapt and/or promote existing Impact Management Measurement in support of Equality Impact Investing
• Articulate where developing or future IMM norms and practice will need to change to fully reflect and tackle systemic inequalities
• Formulate specific recommendations for practical work that can be pursued to address the gaps identified in the workshop
The roundtable will be framed with a scoping paper being developed in conjunction with EIIP associate Dr Jess Daggers.
If you’re interested in learning more about our work in this area, please get in touch.