ELBA Annual Impact Digest 2023-2024: A year of transformation and resilience

Written by Dr. Carmen Nicoara, Head of Research and Impact

We are delighted to launch our latest Annual Impact Digest 2023-2024, showcasing another year of driving meaningful change across east London and Islington. In a world where social inequality deepens and the demand for impactful, data-driven solutions grows louder, this Impact Digest is more than just a summary of numbers—it’s a story of resilience, collaboration, and the power of partnerships.

The depth of our impact – key insights

Beneficiaries

• 90% reported substantive improvements in behaviours and attitudes, whether it’s newfound confidence or a renewed growth mindset
• 89% saw improvements in their quality of life, including securing new jobs, passing critical exams, or enhancing social networks
• 85% developed key employability skills, such as digital and communication competencies, helping them navigate an increasingly competitive job market

Community organisations

• 86% strengthened their internal capabilities, from better-trained staff to improved operational systems
• 69% expanded their reach, engaging new clients and launching additional services
• 60% achieved greater sustainability through enhanced financial systems and diversified funding strategies

Corporate volunteers

• 100% reported feeling an immediate boost in personal well-being by contributing to meaningful projects
• 90% experienced positive changes in their understanding of community challenges
• 83% saw an increase in key skills, including strategic thinking and problem-solving

Our response: a focus on inclusive impact

In this changing landscape, our role is twofold: to provide the rich, data-driven insights our corporate partners need to demonstrate social impact while ensuring our smaller charity partners are not sidelined in the process. This means being creative and collaborative—finding ways to bridge the resource gap, whether through accessible impact measurement tools, mentoring, or by strengthening the bonds between corporate and community partners.

This year’s successes—from connecting over 16,000 corporate volunteers to delivering 76,505 hours of dedicated support to 36,137 beneficiaries—are evidence that true impact lies in these powerful, multi-stakeholder partnerships. We’ve seen how initiatives like Broadgate Connect, which generated over £8.9 million in social value by linking local talent with meaningful employment, are not just statistics on a page but lives changed.

Looking forward: turning challenges into opportunities

As the demands on our sector grow, we need to think about impact differently. It’s not just about metrics and measurement. It’s about asking: Who benefits? Who is left out? Our aim is to foster a more inclusive approach where everyone—businesses, communities, and individuals—can thrive together.

We invite you to explore the full Annual Impact Digest 2023-2024 and learn more about the inspiring stories of resilience, collaboration, and transformation that go beyond the numbers. For a deeper conversation, feel free to reach out at carmen.nicoara@elba-1.org.uk. 

Together, we are building stronger, more resilient communities.

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