The Social Framework for Projects: a conceptual but practical model to assist in assessing, planning and managing the social impacts of projects

Abstract

The Social Framework for Projects assists in understanding, assessing, planning and managing the social issues associated with big projects, such as those leading to the resettlement or displacement of people. The Framework was iteratively developed by assessing existing models (e.g. Sustainable Livelihoods Approach of the UK Department for International Development; the Impoverishment Risks and Reconstruction model of Michael Cernea; the Capability Approach of Amartya Sen; Asset Based Community Development and other capitals-based approaches), reflecting on our practical experience in large projects, and on the basis of input and feedback from a wide range of stakeholders. It was designed to be compatible with the International Finance Corporation's environmental and social performance standards and international best practice. It consists of 8 key social and environmental categories which address all the issues that contribute to people's well-being and the social sustainability of projects, namely: people's capacities, abilities and freedoms to achieve their goals; community/social supports and political context; livelihood assets and activities; culture and religion; infrastructure and services; housing and business structures; land and natural resources; and the living environment. The Framework is a conceptual model, a practical methodology and a communications tool to ensure that the process of mitigating negative social impacts and enhancing the benefits of large projects is effective and accessible to all stakeholders.

Social impact assessment in the Russian Federation: does it meet the key values of democracy and civil society?

“…The Performance Standards of the International Finance Corporation (IFC 2012a), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, are considered to have international standing, especially because of their endorsement by the Equator Principles, the sustainability framework for the international banking industry (Smyth and Vanclay 2017;Vanclay 2017a). The IFC Performance Standards cover overarching issues such as gender, stakeholder engagement, SIA and management, as well as certain specific issues like land acquisition, labour and working conditions, Indigenous peoples, cultural heritage, and health and safety.…”

Development Projects and the Economic Displacement of Urban Micro-Enterprises in Nairobi City, Kenya

“…Social innovations can also be explored that assess the viability of resettlement as a climate adaptation and mitigation strategy and thereby access the vast global funds dedicated to addressing the climate change agenda (Tadgell et al, 2017). Smyth and Vanclay propose a Social Framework Model (SFM) that accommodates various schools of thought in both DIDR and development theory (Smyth & Vanclay, 2017). …”

Social impact assessment, social justice and scales of knowledge: exploring the emerging mining industry in Solomon Islands

“…This framework is considered the benchmark for the mining industry (Rodhouse and Vanclay, 2015;Smyth and Vanclay, 2017) and adherence is often required in the preparation of ESIAs for large-scale mining projects in the Global This exclusion of local level interests as part of the compliance culture was also demonstrated in the case of Gold Ridge Mine (as described in the literature review).…”

“…As Ervin (2015) articulates, "development is primarily planned change" (p. 86) and is thus tied to policies, programs and projects. In the mining sector, the policy tool SIA is considered 'best practice' for identifying, managing and addressing the potential social impacts and benefits of proposed mining activity on local and regional communities (Esteves et al, 2012;Smyth and Vanclay, 2017). While much earlier SIA literature focused on questions of theory, values and power relations, contemporary SIA literature has "typically focused on questions of method rather than theory, and techniques rather than concepts" (Howitt, 2011: p. 78).…”

“…Social impact assessment (SIA) is considered a best practice tool in identifying and addressing the potential social impacts of proposed development intervention projects, such as dams, roads and mines (Esteves et al, 2012;Smyth and Vanclay, 2017). While historically SIA emerged as a tool to meet regulatory requirements established by national governments, its function has expanded in recent decades to underpin planning of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) agendas, and as a tool to acquire and/or legitimise a Social Licence to Operate (SLTO), as well as to obtain…”