Orchestras Live Announces First Social Value Pathfinders

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We’re delighted to announce the cohort of organisations selected for our inaugural Social Value Pathfinders programme—a new initiative designed to help cultural partners better measure, articulate and advocate for the social impact of their work.

Launched in response to growing sector demand for robust social value frameworks, our Pathfinders programme supports organisations to build confidence in using existing evaluation data to tell compelling stories, strengthen funding bids, and design more responsive projects. The Pathfinders will work alongside Orchestras Live over the next year to explore practical ways of embedding social value into their everyday practice.

Meet the Pathfinders

The following organisations have joined the first Pathfinders cohort:

Each organisation brings a unique perspective on how cultural work intersects with social value—whether through youth engagement, health and wellbeing, place-based regeneration, or inclusive practice. Together, they represent a diverse cross-section of the sector, united by a shared commitment to deepening impact and learning.

At the Scottish Chamber Orchestra we are proud of the work we do, from world-class performances to community engagement, and the Social Value Pathfinders programme offers a powerful framework to help us better understand, articulate and evidence the value that all of our work has.


By participating, we hope to learn from others, refine our approach, and contribute to a sector-wide conversation about cultural impact. It’s also an exciting opportunity to ensure our work continues to resonate deeply with our audiences, partners and communities across Scotland and beyond.

Derek Gilchrist, Marketing and Communications Director, Scottish Chamber Orchestra

What the Programme Offers

The Social Value Pathfinders programme is designed for busy teams with limited time and budget. Over four quarterly sessions, participants will:

  • Explore practical frameworks for measuring social value
  • Share peer learning and real-world examples
  • Receive tailored support from Orchestras Live’s Impact team
  • Contribute to sector-wide insights and advocacy

Organisations also get 12 months access to the Social Value Engine; the UK's leading tool to quickly and easily calculate social value.

The programme builds on Orchestras Live’s own experience using the Social Value Engine to secure funding, shape strategic partnerships, and amplify the voices of communities.

Looking Ahead

We’ll share updates from the Pathfinders cohort throughout the next year, including key learnings, tools, and case studies. These insights will inform future programmes and guidance, as well as help shape a more confident, connected cultural sector.

Organisations interested in future cohorts or learning opportunities can visit Social Value Pathfinders to find out more information.

Find out more