Forth Valley College helped to ‘road test’ what’s believed to be the UK’s first social impact auditing tool for the food and drink industry.
The pioneering initiative, which has been developed by Forth Valley Food Futures and Forth Valley Food and Drink, aims to inspire the sector to prioritise sustainability, foster community engagement and uphold ethical working practices.
Funded by Sustainable Food Places, the new toolkit empowers businesses and organisations to measure their social impact themselves.
Carolyn McGill, Director of Forth Valley Food and Drink said: “Modern consumers aren't just buying products or services anymore – they're looking for connections with businesses and organisations that value social impact.
"In today's landscape, securing public funding hinges more and more on showing a dedication to social responsibility. Whether you're applying for grants or seeking backing from government entities, proving your commitment to social impact is key.”
She added: “Measuring your social impact isn't just about meeting these criteria; it's also an opportunity to highlight, improve and record the positive actions you're making to benefit your workforce, community and the environment."
The toolkit has been ‘road tested’ with four local food and drink businesses within the Forth Valley area: The Real Food Café (Tyndrum), Troy Ann’s Caribbean Kitchen (Dollar), The Ladybird Tearoom (Alloa) and Forth Valley College. Video case studies showcasing their remarkable efforts to make a positive difference in their local communities can be viewed at: https://forthvalleyfoodanddrink.org/social-impact/
Karyn King, Operations Manager in FVC’s Department of Creative, Digital and Leisure Industries, said: “We were delighted to take part in the Forth Valley Food and Drink Social Impact Audit, showcasing the fantastic work we are doing to support our students and staff at Forth Valley College. We are promoting well-being, sustainability and working closely with local community partners to support the local area’s sustainable food and drink objectives.”
Stuart Guzinski from Forth Valley Food Futures said: “From championing local sourcing to focussing on environmental sustainability, these four businesses exemplify the transformative power of social impact in the food and drink industry.
“Conducting a social audit allows businesses to understand and meet the expectations of stakeholders while identifying areas for improvement.
“It also promotes transparency and enhances trust in a business, paving the way for long-term success."
To facilitate widespread adoption of the social impact auditing tool, Forth Valley Food and Drink and Forth Valley Food Futures are providing businesses with free access. To download the toolkit, please visit: https://forthvalleyfoodanddrink.org/social-impact/