Case Study: MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology)

Introduction

The partnership between MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology) and ImpactOS, a social impact reporting platform has seen significant strides in MOLA’s innovative new business stream, The Hub. Notably, The Hub is one of the first UK teams currently combining research and development in Social Value metrics and frameworks within the context of construction and development-based archaeology.

About The Hub: Shaping the Future of Archaeology for Social Good

Set in motion by MOLA’s Future Leaders Fellowship, The Hub is a collaboration between clients, charities, archaeologists, public sector representatives, heritage consultants, and local community members. The mission? Deliver transformative outcomes drawn from archaeology, focusing on driving deep, positive change within communities and the environment.#

The Hub sits in a unique position. It speaks both the language of archaeology and heritage and that of its clients and consultants’ Social Value teams. This bridges the gap between its day-to-day work of development-led archaeology and the higher-level objectives of clients and communities.

The Hub goes beyond ‘business as usual’ by embedding community priorities and a sustainability-focused approach in programme research, design, delivery, and evaluation. It spearheads a variety of programmes including charitable grants, public events, community investments, and consultancy projects. Significant pilot projects such as Beam Park and N1 Neighbourhood Consultations stand as clear evidence of The Hub’s ongoing commitment to generating social value.

Measuring Social Value: ImpactOS’ Role

At the core of The Hub’s innovative approach lies ImpactOS’ social value reporting platform. This technology helps groups establish how KPIs can mesh with the requirements of a planning condition and explore the heritage potential of a project more widely, a crucial factor in evidencing the unique value of archaeology and heritage. The analytical strength of the platform allows an in-depth review of factors such as individual and communal health impacts, economic contributions to local communities, and the development of skills and employability. Not only this, but they are supporting the growing need to evidence value through metrics in line with various frameworks such as TOMs, HACT, WELLBYS, etc.

The integration of ImpactOS’ technology has revolutionised the way The Hub operates. The ability to present tangible data on the unique impacts of archaeology has not only strengthened their evaluation processes but has become a dynamic tool in showcasing the positive community transformations they are driving.

Testimonial

Dr. Kate Faccia, Coordinator of The Hub at MOLA, said: “Working with ImpactOS has been transformative for MOLA’s Hub initiative. The integration of ImpactOS’ social value reporting platform has empowered us to meticulously track and showcase the unique impacts of archaeology. It has not only elevated our ability to measure the true value of our work but has also provided a dynamic tool to communicate and amplify the positive changes we’re driving in communities.

It’s not just about digging into the past; it’s about using technology to build a socially and environmentally conscious future, and ImpactOS has been an invaluable partner in making this vision a reality.”

Looking Forward

Results from these evaluations will be shared with MOLA’s community and research partners, as well as clients, to shape the future design of community, cultural, and planning activities for social and environmental benefit in the future.