Cost of Impact Measurement Services
across the UK

# Impact Measurement Services Accreditation Guide

The main UK trade bodies overseeing impact measurement services include the Social Value Portal, which certifies organisations in social value measurement and reporting, and the British Standards Institution (BSI), which offers accreditation for management systems that support impact measurement processes. The Cabinet Office's Procurement Policy Note also establishes frameworks that many public sector commissioners reference when selecting impact measurement providers. Additionally, professional bodies such as the Institute of Social Value and the Association of UK Consultants provide informal standards and networks, though these are less formal than regulatory accreditation. For many clients, especially those in the public or grant-funding sectors, working with a provider accredited under these schemes provides assurance that measurement methodologies follow recognised best practice and comply with government social value guidance.

When checking a provider's credentials, verify their accreditation status directly through the relevant trade body's website or register rather than relying on claims in marketing materials. Most reputable providers will hold current certificates or memberships that you can cross-reference, and you should ask for specific details about the scope of their accreditation—for instance, whether they are certified for a particular methodology or sector. This matters because accreditation demonstrates that a provider has undergone independent assessment, follows consistent standards, and is subject to regular audits and complaints procedures. It also means you have recourse if service quality falls short. Without accreditation, you have less protection and fewer assurances about methodological rigour or consistency.

Accredited impact measurement providers typically charge 15 to 30 percent more than unaccredited competitors, reflecting the costs of maintaining compliance, undergoing regular audits, and investing in staff training and quality systems. This premium is generally worth paying because accredited providers are less likely to produce flawed or unreliable impact data, which can lead to poor decision-making, failed funding applications, or reputational