Social Telecoms CIC

Social Impact Statements

The Social Enterprise Mark criteria includes a requirement that the applicant can demonstrate that social and/or environmental objectives are being achieved.

In support of this, new applicants and renewing Mark holders are asked to respond to a set of social impact questions, which are designed to help them think about the social impact they create, and to articulate this clearly and succinctly.

Updated July 2019

1) What social differences and changes have you aimed to create (or supported)?

We have aimed to bridge the Digital Divide by provide affordable internet access to those disadvantaged by either a lack or the expense of online access, thereby enabling people to access government services, etc.

2) What actions have you taken to address the above social aims?

In addition to our funded networks we support upwards of 200 community networks across the whole of the UK working with our local partners in social housing provision and local government.

3) What has changed and what benefits have been realised as a result of your actions?

We have 240 regular users of our Meole Brace network, who typically use it for accessing government services, education as well as social functions. We have made other smaller contributions throughout the year to local charitable concerns.

4) How do you and other people know your aims are being achieved? Or how will you know?

We measure the number of clients and usage figures for the networks; and supply similar information to our partners for the networks we support.

Supplementary details

The below questions are not mandatory, but Mark holders are encouraged to answer them where possible, to provide a fuller account of their social outcomes and the social value they create.

5) How many people have benefitted from your actions?

The number of people affect positively by our services runs into thousands over the year, though a smaller number rely exclusively on our services for internet access.

6) What examples can you provide of a typical service user experience, that helps illustrate the benefits they have experienced as a result of your actions?

We have a number of case studies on our website.

7) What other social benefits have you contributed that go beyond your core delivery activities (ones that are completely unrelated to your main services)?

We continue to provide subsidised or free repairs of IT equipment to Meole Residents.

8) What social and environmental benefits have you created from internal operational policies and actions?

We routinely reuse or recycle all packaging. We minimise vehicle journeys to lower carbon footprint.