ABSTRACT
Social performance does not have to be a nebulous concept, impossible to quantify or standardize. And it doesn’t have to be scary: providers and funders with reasonable return expectations can pursue social results without expecting financial performance to suffer. The effort to create a standard way to discuss, measure, and report on social results is well underway. The development of the Universal Standards has been a significant turning point in the struggle to overcome confusion associated with social goals, measurement, and reporting. The Universal Standards provide a common language for understanding Social Performance Management (SPM), as well as a roadmap for achieving strong practice. Consumer protection – the effort to provide fair and safe financial services for consumers – is absolutely fundamental to creating benefits for clients. A strong Code of Conduct and careful oversight of staff go a long way in creating a safe environment for clients.
