How do you integrate FM social impact assessment into your project management cycle?

1 Define the scope and objectives

The first step is to define the scope and objectives of your FM project and the SIA. You need to clarify what kind of social impacts you want to assess, who are the affected stakeholders and beneficiaries, what are the expected outcomes and indicators, and what are the ethical and legal requirements. You also need to align your SIA objectives with your FM project objectives and the strategic goals of your organization.

2 Conduct a baseline study

The second step is to conduct a baseline study to collect and analyze data on the current social conditions and issues related to your FM project. You can use various methods and sources, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, observations, documents, and statistics, to gather relevant information. The baseline study will help you establish a reference point for measuring and comparing the social impacts of your FM project.

3 Identify and evaluate the social impacts

The third step is to identify and evaluate the social impacts of your FM project, both positive and negative, intended and unintended, direct and indirect, short-term and long-term. You can use various tools and frameworks, such as stakeholder analysis, impact matrix, SWOT analysis, cost-benefit analysis, and risk assessment, to assess the magnitude, probability, significance, and distribution of the social impacts. You also need to consider the perspectives and expectations of the affected stakeholders and beneficiaries, and involve them in the SIA process.

4 Develop and implement mitigation and enhancement measures

The fourth step is to develop and implement mitigation and enhancement measures to address the social impacts of your FM project. You need to prioritize the most significant and urgent impacts, and design appropriate actions and strategies to avoid, reduce, compensate, or enhance them. You also need to allocate sufficient resources, assign clear responsibilities, and establish effective communication and consultation mechanisms to implement the measures.

5 Monitor and report the social impacts

The fifth step is to monitor and report the social impacts of your FM project throughout its lifecycle. You need to collect and analyze data on the actual social outcomes and indicators, and compare them with the baseline and the expected results. You also need to report the findings and feedback to the relevant stakeholders and beneficiaries, and disclose the information in a transparent and accountable manner.

6 Review and improve the SIA process

The sixth step is to review and improve the SIA process for your FM project. You need to evaluate the effectiveness, efficiency, and quality of the SIA process, and identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges. You also need to learn from the lessons and best practices, and apply them to improve your future SIA processes and FM projects.