Sinead Boucher

Impact measurement is essential in today's business world. Understanding your business's effects on stakeholders, employees, communities, and the environment can help drive growth and build a positive reputation. Why Focus on Impact? Impact is becoming a priority for several reasons: 1) Transparency: Stakeholders demand clarity on value creation and distribution. 2) Value Shifts: Society prioritizes sustainability and social equity. 3) Technology: New tools improve impact tracking and reporting. 4) Regulation: Governments enforce stricter reporting requirements. How to Apply Impact Measurement in Business Here's how boards, CEOs, and executives can apply impact measurement: 1) Set Clear Impact Goals: o Define success beyond financials, including ESG metrics. o Example: Set goals to reduce carbon footprint, boost employee well-being, and engage communities. 2) Integrate Impact into Strategy: o Align impact goals with your mission and strategy. Ensure decisions consider stakeholder and environmental impacts. o Example: Integrate impact into product development and supply chain management. 3) Implement Robust Impact Accounting: o Use ESG, SROI, and triple bottom line accounting to measure and report impact. o Example: Retail companies can use SROI to evaluate community outreach benefits. 4) Conduct Regular Impact Assessments: o Periodically assess business activities using environmental and social impact assessments. o Example: Energy companies can conduct assessments before launching new projects. 5) Monitor and Evaluate Impact: o Establish ongoing monitoring and evaluation systems like logframe and theory-driven evaluation. o Example: Tech firms can use outcome harvesting to track training program effectiveness. 6) Foster a Learning Culture: o Encourage continuous improvement based on impact data. Use insights to drive innovation. o Example: Hold strategic learning sessions to review and improve impact data. 7) Communicate Impact Transparently: o Share impact results with stakeholders through reports and digital platforms. o Example: Publish annual reports on sustainability and social responsibility impact. Success and impact measurement differ among businesses, employees, and communities: o For Businesses: Success includes financial performance, market share, and shareholder value, enhanced by sustainability and social responsibility. o For Employees: Success involves job satisfaction, career development, and work-life balance, enriched by a positive work environment and social initiatives. o For Communities: Success means improved quality of life, economic opportunities, and environmental health, driven by CSR programs and community investments. By embracing impact measurement, business leaders in Aotearoa can create a sustainable, equitable future. Together, let's drive meaningful change now. Kia kaha. Kia māia. Kia manawanui!

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💡 Business is the most trusted institution in Aotearoa New Zealand, and people expect CEOs to manage changes occurring in society, as well as changes in business, particularly for innovation. 🌏 I always enjoy the insights and the questions that the Edelman Trust Barometer raises, and the 2024 edition is no different. 💡 There are many useful insights for anyone working in media, marketing, science, and the rollout of innovation. ❤️ The report reveals a new paradox at the heart of society. Rapid innovation offers the promise of a new era of prosperity, but instead risks exacerbating trust issues, leading to further societal instability and political polarisation. 🌏 In a year where half the global population can vote in new leaders, the acceptance of innovation is essential to the success of our society. While people agree that scientists are essential to the acceptance of innovation, many are concerned that politics has too much influence on science. This perception is contributing to the decline of trust in the institutions responsible for steering us through change and towards a more prosperous future. The global research is well worth a look through. The Aotearoa Circle, Te Hono, Bronwyn Millar

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Let's get libraries to SXSW Sydney! Voting is now open, and UTS and ALIA have joined forces for a panel submission - AI: Where's the source? Why vote for us? Well to explore everything from First Nations data sovereignty to what on earth people do when faced with an overly helpful search engine. New insights from research and practice combine - it's going to be FUN! Also - frankly - to make sure our library expertise helps others. It's a star studded line up with Dr Kirsten Thorpe, Dr Heather Ford, Amy Walduck and myself. To vote: 1. Head to this link: https://lnkd.in/gVGgwpgw 2. Log in or register 3. Head to the AI & Robotics category and search "AI: Where’s the source?" 4. Vote away! (Voting closes 25 April) #LibrariesTransform #LibrariesChangeLives #Libraries #Library #LIS #Research #AI #ICIP

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Media relations tip 101: Never assault a journalist. This should go without saying, but recent events remind us of the obvious: never assault a journalist. Besides being illegal, it's a brilliant way to destroy your reputation and credibility. And while we're at it, here are a few more "don'ts" to remember: 1. Don't lose your cool: Stay calm and composed, even in challenging situations. 2. Don't walk out of an interview: It shows disrespect, will damage your image and make you either look incompetent, defensive and/or untrustworthy with something to hide. 3. Don't say "no comment": Be more strategic, open and helpful. Try responses like, "That's not my remit to comment on" or "I can't answer that at the moment, but I'll get back to you." Always conduct yourself with respect and professionalism. Your reputation depends on it. https://lnkd.in/g5fvTn4N #media #respect #journalists #reputation #PR #spokespeople

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What is the government going to do to bring excessively high public service remuneration packages into line with community expectations? AND What can the government do to stop excessively overpaid elites lecturing us about disadvantage?

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Did Costello resign, or was he pushed? Best practice is that Nine's Board acted. It is not a passive role.   If that’s the case, from a communications POV, there are two more immediate proactive steps that will impact the reputation of the Board to staff, shareholders and others.   1. Catherine West, the new chair, can broadly flag her (the Board's) philosophy and the company’s pending cultural change. She can either make a headline announcement or the Board can act by engineering further changes, or both.   Saying/doing nothing is not a good option.   2. If the Board decides to continue with more change, to act, then CEO Mike Sneesby is a target. If the Board wants to continue clearing the house, any other ‘dinosaurs’ can go.   Then, of course, there’s a review of the $1m payout to Darren Wick.   This is simply best practice communications, measured by ‘Does it meet the communities’ expectations?’   3. A presentation? Catherine West’s option, ideally from a comms POV, is to talk to staff; the more interactive, the better. It will go public, leaked or otherwise, so it reaches shareholders, etc. It doesn’t have to be detailed. An investigation is underway, and it’s usually fairly easy for an insider to predict many of its findings. Getting ahead of the investigation’s findings with the obvious creates trust. It will be stabilising for staff particularly (it's also a chance to flag Nine's financial challenges). She can identify certain cultural principles that are essential: a broad commitment to cultural inclusiveness, no harassment, a complaints mechanism, cultural training, etc. She must be honest. A commitment to a degree of transparency is also an essential; how that's engineered can be managed later.   Some of these principles are already Nine Board policy: “The Board sets and monitors progress against measurable objectives to track our performance in engaging, retaining and fostering a diverse and inclusive culture”, is the Environmental, Social and Governance Policy – https://lnkd.in/gZ7iM6zk.   The other ‘rule’ in this headland conversation is not to commit to detail. CEOs and Chairs have long learned the hard way to avoid making early commitments that they can’t keep. That’s not an absence of transparency; it's common sense.

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Hear the words "modern slavery" and you think "not in my wheelhouse!" But prepare to have your gob smacked by this conversation with expert Carsten Primdal. Anyone with supply chains (and isn't that all of us?), take note👇 #SocialJustice #ESG #sustainability #ModernSlavery #ConversationsInSustainability

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Start small, think big and build, build, build, is one lesson of GO Media. Personal charisma reflected in what you do is another - here's the story of Go Media, Andrea Rongonui, Mike Gray and all those they've helped, and those who have helped them. https://lnkd.in/gakp9Ujs

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Understanding your audience makes communicating with them a thousand per cent easier, I reckon. What's the point in writing a communications strategy, yarn, or even email if the intended audience has no interest or investment in the topic? I mean, you can, but I'm not sure this is the most effective way of connecting with your audience. Now, please bear with me as I link this thought to some of my colleagues' fantastic work. On August 1, SEC Newgate Australia will discuss the latest insights from our research team's Mood of the Nation briefing. These reports, and briefings, give a clear snapshot of the big issues affecting Australia. Previous editions have found the nation's mood is declining… so what does that mean for your audience? If you're interested in understanding Australia and hopefully better understanding your audience, I reckon joining this webinar is a no-brainer.   Here's a few nuggets from our latest report: 🏗 Two thirds of Australians backed the federal government’s Future Made in Australia Act. ⚡There’s softening support for climate action and renewables. 👵 Older Australians (65+) rated their quality of life highest and say they are significantly better off when it comes to their mental wellbeing and financial situation. 

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I found this recent article in about storytelling strategies in science insightful. Emma Frances Bloomfield, Associate Professor of Communication Studies, University of Nevada, Las Vegas recently published the article in The Conversation Australia + NZ. In her article Emma says "When researching for my book, I found that stories about science tend to be broad and abstract. On the other hand, science-skeptical stories tend to be specific and concrete. By borrowing some of the strategies of science-skeptical stories, I argue that evidence-backed stories about science can better compete with misinformation." As scientists, I feel like we may naturally feel safer telling broad stories that are representative in nature, but we shouldn't shy away from also telling specific, concrete stories. These types of stories can offer tangible, recognisable experiences that spark deeper conversation. I recommend the read! #scicomm #storytelling #sciencestories

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Important LinkedIn community update from AFPSTL! Make the leap now if you haven’t already! Here’s the correct link to our chapter’s LinkedIn page: https://lnkd.in/gZcsPBnR

My good friend Rowena Morais is launching her new program, "Safe Conversations, Safe Workplaces," with Kate Diggle. Starting on 22 August 2024, it's runnoing in Canberra, ACT. It's a comprehensive program that addresses crucial workplace issues such as workload stress, resistance to change, retaliation, lack of trust, and diversity challenges. In today’s dynamic work environment, fostering psychological safety is essential for collaboration, innovation, and effective communication. This program is designed to help you and your teams build trust, improve collaboration, and enhance performance through interactive activities, real-world scenarios, and reflective practice sessions. 🔑 Key Outcomes • Understand why psychological safety is the foundation for good performance and learn how to create it in your team • Learn how to use self-reflection as a powerful learning tool • Develop a personalised action plan • Gain more awareness of your legal rights and responsibilities as a leader and the importance of managing problems early • Take a strengths-based approach to managing neurodiversity, generational and cultural differences, communication styles and conflict styles • Become more comfortable transitioning between the different modes and styles needed for various work environments and different people • Gain a better understanding of the motivation of your teams and yourself This practical, action-oriented program is ideal for management and supervisory teams, including senior managers, team leaders, and supervisors. Change begins today and it begins with you. This is a great opportunity to make a positive impact on your workplace. I can highly recommend it. For more information and to book visit: https://lnkd.in/gt2eN76D #PsychologicalSafety #WorkplaceWellbeing #TeamCollaboration #LeadershipDevelopment #RowenaMorais

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My client's response to the Federal Budget's new impact investment initiatives is featured in OnImpact Media. Impact Investing Australia says these initiatives highlight crucial support for social enterprises and measures to address entrenched disadvantage. Read more about how these investments will foster positive social change. #impactinvesting #socialimpact #socialenterprise https://lnkd.in/dZdjibwQ

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On Monday night, I had the privilege of speaking to 90 Hastings City Business Association members about the Hastings District Council - Te Kaunihera ā-Rohe o Heretaunga Draft Long Term Plan, alongside Mayor Sandra and our dedicated Council team. This plan has sparked strong feelings, and rightly so, as it includes a proposed average rate increase of 25% in year one... during a time when many of us are feeling the strain of rising living costs. Like I did on Monday, I wanted to post here to give you some context on the draft Long Term Plan, and the difficult decisions that shaped it. 𝗖𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 Cyclone Gabrielle left a lasting impact on our district, with extensive damage to roads, bridges, and infrastructure. Hastings’ share of cyclone recovery costs is approx. $230 million, all of which will need to be borrowed… at a time when interest rates have never been so high, and materials have never cost so much. For this reason, an 8% targeted cyclone recovery rate has been proposed in year one of the LTP, which will pay for resilient roads, bridges, and quality water infrastructure that will rebuild and sustain our community for future generations. 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀 The remaining 17% covers our base rates, which include essential maintenance and renewals of services like drinking water, wastewater, and maintaining roads and other key assets/infrastructure. This base rate also includes the interest costs associated with our community's debt. Every cent of this debt has been consulted on and approved by our community to fund projects that offer long-term, inter-generational benefits, such as: • Water Infrastructure: $157 million invested after the Havelock North water crisis. • Historic buildings: $30 million invested to restore and upgrade Toitoi • Parks and CBD upgrades: $31 million • Recovery Work: $44 million has already been spent on cyclone recovery in the past 15 months. 𝗘𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝘂𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗹𝘀 We're "cutting our cloth" by proposing delaying or cutting non-essential projects and prioritising our core services: • Proposed Deferrals: Library rebuild, new cycle-ways, and non-critical park enhancements have all been delayed to prioritise immediate needs. • Proposed Cuts: Unfortunately, some services have to be cut altogether. For instance, the proposed closure of the Frimley Pools reducing city centre upgrades, and stopping non-essential events are all measures aimed at reducing our rates increases and staying focused on what's critical. 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀! We understand these rates increases put incredible strain on households, and that's why we are making considered cuts and proposing spending only where it matters most. Your voice matters, and we need your feedback! Please share your thoughts on our plans at www.myvoicemychoice.co.nz by 27 May.

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A Climate Solutions opportunity roadmap

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Is New Zealand broken and in decline? That's the headline from a new survey. Great article from Marc Daalder diving into IPSOS polling. It dosen't have to be this way. We can redesign our economic system to serve the people and the taiao. Forty years ago this year New Zealand went down a Neoliberal path and now people feel the economy isn't working for them and that's it's rigged for powerful interests. We can lay down new economic tracks so everyone can thrive. https://lnkd.in/gUYzkMCz If you are interested in this mission to redesign economic systems, join us at the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Aotearoa NZ https://lnkd.in/grbR-V8v

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NDIS POWER DYNAMICS NDIA: The Treasury Titans Control Over Funds: NDIA’s control over the distribution of #NDIS funds is like putting a fox in charge of the henhouse. Influence participant outcomes & scheme's sustainability, all while looking out for the bottom line. Do you trust them to prioritize anything other than saving a buck? NDIS Commission: Rulebook Tyrants Regulatory Authority: #Commission has power to make or break service providers. They say, "Jump," & providers ask, "How high?" But are they the watchdogs we need or just another layer of bureaucracy pretending to care? DSS: Policy Puppeteers Policy & Funding Control: DSS holds the puppet strings of policy & funding, shaping NDIS's direction. High-level decisions from people who might never have seen a participant up close – what could go wrong? Conflicts NDIA: Bean Counters vs. Human #Needs Financial vs. Participant Needs: Imagine an agency more obsessed with keeping the ledger balanced than keeping people alive. Will they cut corners to save a dime, even if it costs participants dearly? NDIS Commission: Judge, Jury & Executioner Provider Interests vs. Participant Protection: The Commission's job is to protect participants, but what happens when they're too chummy with providers? Bias in investigations could turn justice into a joke. DSS: Budget Hawks vs. Social Advocates Budget Constraints vs. Service Provision: DSS dances on a tightrope between budget constraints & need to provide services. When politics get involved, who do you think gets the short end of the stick? Ambiguities NDIA: Decision-Making in a Black Box Transparency: Trying to understand NDIA’s decision-making process is like deciphering hieroglyphics. Participants are left in the dark, questioning if there's any rhyme or reason behind their funding & plan decisions. NDIS Commission: Rule Roulette Consistency: The Commission's enforcement of rules can feel like a game of roulette. Will they be lenient or strict today? Even they might not know until the wheel stops spinning. DSS: Policy Ping-Pong Federal & state policies often clash like rival siblings. This coordination, or lack thereof, leads to policy gaps that participants fall through, leaving them wondering if anyone up top actually knows what's going on. Hidden Agendas NDIA: The Surveillance State Centralization & Surveillance: NDIA's push for central control & data collection, privacy concerns rise. Are they genuinely interested in participant welfare or just playing Big Brother with a benevolent mask? NDIS Commission: Provider Pawns Influence of Providers: When the Commission starts bending to the will of powerful providers, trust flies out the window. Are they there to regulate or just to make it look good on paper? DSS: The Political Puppet Show Political Influence: DSS's decisions often reflect political strategies rather than participant needs. Is it about improving disability services, or just scoring political points and votes?

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After some bluster at the NZX Limited annual meeting over directors' fees, Hamish McNicol and Calida Stuart-Menteath had a great Last Word on the NBR - National Business Review about reviving out local capital markets. I was pleased to see it's very much on the agenda of Andrew Bayly with the Capital Markets 2029 Report back on people's required reading list. There were some good ideas in there that seemed to flounder in recent years and fresh impetus would be a good thing. Hopefully some people might even dust off the older Capital Markets Taskforce report, another very helpful tome of suggestions. The rise of Sharesies in stoking interest in investing among people who have been hard to reach for a long time has shifted the ground substantially and if MBIE can finally get around to finishing its review into the Financial Markets Conduct Act, maybe we'll be in a stronger position to actually make the step changes needed to breath life back into our local stock exchange. https://lnkd.in/gbRFBTwk

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