Toward an International Consensus on a Social Return on Investment Model of Recreational Physical Activity and Sport Participation: A Delphi Study.

Abstract

Background: Investment in recreational physical activity and sports participation (PAS) needs to be justified. The Social Return on Investment (SROI) is a framework that aims to quantify social value, but there is no standard on how to apply it to the PAS sector. This study uses the Delphi method to reach international consensus on (1) the definition of social value of PAS, (2) the social outcomes that should be measured, and (3) the tools to measure and value them.

Methods: The preparing phase included a systematic review, initial interviews, and 2 creative workshops. During the conducting phase, a pilot was followed by 3 iterative rounds of communication with experts. Participants indicated their level of agreement with different statements. Consensus was reached if ≥70% of the panel agreed or disagreed. Small expert meetings were used as an additional step.

Results: Fifty-nine experts completed the first round and consensus was reached in all statements. There was 100% of agreement that Health, Education, Subjective Well-being, and Social Capital should be outcomes of a Social Return on Investment model of PAS and 85.7% for Crime. However, the results from the small expert meetings led to the removal of Social Capital and Crime from the final model. Stability of consensus (≤10% variability) was reached.

Conclusions: This study provides the initial phase for a standardized international PAS Social Return on Investment model to guide policymakers, industry, and any stakeholder interested in the evaluation of the social value generated by their activity.