User Reviews of SP Tools
User Reviews are “peer” evaluations of social performance assessment tools based on the experiences of those who have used them. The purpose of the User Reviews is to help potential users determine which tool or tools is most appropriate for their needs. Each review presents the following:
- A brief description of the tool
- Consolidated feedback on 7 general tool attributes (cost, duration, robustness, usefulness to the MFI, ability to customize, ease of use and overall satisfaction)
- Consolidated feedback on 12 specific social performance goals (mission clarity, alignment of systems, decision making, gender approach, member governance, non-financial services, responsibility to clients, responsibility to community, responsibility to staff, responsibility to the environment, outreach and financial services)
- A general opinion provided by the review team
- A list of strengths and weaknesses
- Summary tables where similar tools may be compared side-by-side, and
- A glossary of terms.
Below are links to reviews of the following tools:
Social Audit Tools Reviewed (review year: 2009)
- The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
- The Quality Audit Tool (QAT)
- The Social Performance Indicators (SPI)
Social Rating Tools Reviewed (review year: 2009)
- MicroFinanza Rating Comprehensive Social Rating (with Client Survey)
- MicroRate Social Rating
- Planet Rating Social Performance Rating
Client Assessment Tools Reviewed (review year: 2010)
The User Reviews series was funded by the Ford Foundation and is managed by Alternative Credit Technologies, LLC. The series was also supported by CGAP, which provided input on the project methodology and comments on the final reports.