Background St Michael’s Hospice Hastings and Rother is in the early stages of a capital build project. In February 2024 the Hospice commissioned consultants RealWorth to conduct a social impact assessment, aiming to unveil and communicate the societal value of the hospice’s work and care across the Hastings and Rother catchment area.

Aims

1. Identify, maximize, measure, and communicate the societal value of St Michael’s Hospice.

2. Leverage findings on positive social change to influence donors, local councils – particularly in relation to the capital build project, and ensure long–term sustainability in terms of funding, as well as positively impacting workforce recognition and recruitment.

3. Produce recommendations on how the hospice can increase the amount of social value it generates in the future.

Method An initial meeting and Theory of Change workshop between RealWorth and the hospice explored past and future initiatives to establish social objectives. Data gathering, including a socio-economic study and discussions on community projects, informed surveys, interviews, and focus groups to assess social return on investment. Draft and final reports will provide recommendations for value enhancement, aiming to amplify the hospice’s impact.

Results The results of the social impact assessment can motivate the workforce, educate the community, and provide evidence for continued funding and support from local and national bodies. It will also offer insights to stakeholders about the broader significance of hospice care, potentially leading to policy changes or increased philanthropic investment.

Conclusion Assessing hospice care’s social value is crucial for driving improvements, informing decision-making, and promoting awareness and support both locally and nationally. It has the potential to catalyze meaningful change in end-of-life care provision and community wellbeing.