Social Impact Assessment and Social Audit Services

To prevent corruption and ensure the proper application of social responsibility (CSR) programs, civil society organizations (CSOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and political representatives have developed methodologies and processes to review and verify official records of expenditures and assess the actual impact of social projects.

Our multi-disciplinary team of experts at TÜV Rheinland can offer both donor and implementing agencies and organizations a comprehensive portfolio of services and solutions for the social audit and social impact assessment of CSR programs. Our services provide effective means to ensure that CSR projects are conducted effectively and are helpful to target beneficiaries. The social impact assessment of CSR programs also substantiates the influence and effects of the project and activities based on qualitative and quantitative indicators.

As an independent third party and solution provider, you can rely on us to assess your CSR programs.

Our services of social audit and social impact assessment can help to:

• Validate that corporate social responsibility programs meet their intended purpose and objectives.
• Enhance efficiency and effectiveness of CSR projects through structured, value-added social audit and feedback mechanisms.
• Align CSR programs with a structured, process-based international management system framework and a set of social best practices.
• Increase asset values through exhaustive CSR program documentation.
• Fulfill CSR project stakeholder expectations and ensure compliance with the Companies Act 2013 (or New Companies Bill).

Please contact us at TÜV Rheinland to learn more about how our services of social audit and social impact assessment can benefit your company.

The comprehensive portfolio of services and solutions for the social impact evaluation and social audit of CSR programs will be delivered by a team of multi-disciplinary qualified and trained social workers (MSWs) with years of experience in corporate social responsibility and stakeholder consultation.

• Necessary assessment and baseline survey.
• Identification and assessment of CSR project stakeholders and implementing partners.
• Social due diligence.
• Independent mid-term and end-of-project social impact assessment and social audit.
• Overall CSR program management and tailored services.
• Service quality management system for non-governmental organizations.

Since 1872, TÜV Rheinland has supported clients of all sizes and sectors across the globe. We have been a member of the United Nations Global Compact Initiative since 2006 and are known for our reliable, independent and value-added services, making us the partner you can trust. Furthermore, we can provide you with tailored solutions according to the specificities of your industry and local context.

With our services of social audit and social impact assessment, a reliable and credible CSR program is just a few steps away.

Our experts and qualified social workers proceed as follows:

• Identification and understanding of donor and implementing agency and organization requirements and expectations.
• Review of CSR project-related documentation and terms of reference (ToRs).
• Stakeholder mapping and initial report building.
• Program due diligence.
• Active research and overall CSR program social impact assessment.
• On-site social audit.
• Stakeholder consultation through individual and focus group discussions (FGDs).
• Capacity-building programs.
• Detailed reports with clear recommendations for improvement, monitoring requirements.
• Documenting of case studies and showcasing of reference success stories.

The social audit is a process. It consists of reviewing all documentation and official records related to a corporate social responsibility program and its implementation. The audit helps to determine if all reported expenditures actually reflect the amount of money spent on site for the project itself.

The social impact assessment is a methodology and process which consists of reviewing the social effects of activities and interventions implemented under the CSR program in terms of development or progress.

Corporate social responsibility projects and programs involve two types of stakeholders.

Donor stakeholders, such as companies or corporate agencies, public sector units and government agencies or other sources of capital, are those financing the project by donating funds.

Implementing stakeholders, non-governmental organizations such as trusts, societies or Section 25 companies , are those executing the CSR project using donated funds.

The New Companies Bill or Companies Act is an Indian legislation which relates to company law. It regulates the incorporation, responsibilities, direction and dissolution of a company. The latest version came into force in 2013. Section 135 of the Act specifically deals with corporate social responsibility and CSR programs.

NGOs in India are structured by various laws which define under which legal entity and civil society organizations they can be registered.

Public trusts, societies and Section 25 companies are NGO legal structures which differ according to status, legislation, jurisdiction of the founding Act or the governing authority.