Abstract
A Social Investment approach in Aotearoa, New Zealand is a concept that emerged as a key policy approach under the National-led government that was in power until October 2017. With recent political shifts back to a National led Coalition Government Social Investment is firmly back on the agenda.
The purpose of the workshop is to take the past learnings and support a way forward. There will be an emphasis on social investment and how it refers to the idea of using data and evidence to target social interventions more effectively, with a focus on achieving better long-term outcomes for individuals and communities. It emphasises preventative measures and early intervention to address social issues.
The workshop will cover key components of New Zealand's social investment approach including:
Data-Driven Decision Making: The government aimed to use data and evidence to identify areas of need and allocate resources more efficiently. This involved analysing social outcomes and investing in programs that demonstrated positive results. Access to cross sector data nationally provides the platform for taking an evidenced based approach.
Outcome Measurement: The focus was on measuring the success of social programs by their outcomes, rather than just inputs or outputs. This approach aimed to ensure that public resources were directed toward initiatives that achieved meaningful and lasting results. The primary and community sector has focused on health and wellbeing or Hauora in the indigenous language of Aotearoa.
Cross-Agency Collaboration: Social investment policies encouraged collaboration between government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other stakeholders to address complex social issues comprehensively. This included taking a collective impact approach to multi sector collaboration.
Investing in Prevention: The government sought to invest in preventative measures to address social problems at their root causes, rather than merely responding to crises. This involved early intervention and support for vulnerable populations.
Moving forward there is an opportunity to consider the equation of Social Innovation + Social Investment = Social Impact. Taking a lens that entails promoting integrated, preventative, and patient-centred care. With the ultimate goal of improving overall well-being and making a positive difference in society.
The elements of the Social Impact equation will drive positive change in our communities. Noting that, social innovation involves finding new solutions to social problems in our communities, while social investment provides the financial support to implement these innovations. Together, they aim to create positive social impact.
It is also noting the European perspective which includes social inclusion, largely through paid work, individual responsibility and human capital investment. Cantillon, B. and Van Lancker, W. (2013) ‘Three shortcomings of the Social Investment Perspective’, Social Policy & Society, 12(4): 553-64
The workshop will take an interactive approach to exploring the societal ingredients needed to achieve social (community) innovation, social investment, leading to positive social impact. We will explore also the policy settings needed to bring about change and the lessons from past and current social investment initiatives.
The workshop will be relevant to policy makers, community workers and other roles that support health and wellbeing of the population.