Event

Investing in happiness: lessons from 12 years of wellbeing measurement

15 May 2025, 8:45 am – 12:00 pm

Location: Nesta, 58 Victoria Embankment, London EC4Y 0DS

Think tank: Pro Bono Economics

This event hosted by UK think tank Pro Bono Economics explores the power of investing in wellbeing measurement – and the insights gained from 12 years of measuring impact.

Join Spirit of 2012 and Pro Bono Economics for a thought-provoking morning exploring the power of investing in wellbeing measurement – and the insights gained from 12 years of measuring impact.

Since the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Spirit of 2012 has used its funding to champion wellbeing and has carefully tracked the impact of its work using the ONS Life Satisfaction measure. Now, Pro Bono Economics has used this information to assess the monetary value of increasing wellbeing through leisure activities like culture, sport and volunteering. This analysis provides valuable lessons for funders, policymakers and charities alike.

Why attend?

– Explore key findings from PBE’s analysis of Spirit of 2012’s impact

– Gain real-world insights from case studies featuring UK Youth, The Wave Project, and Activity Alliance

– Learn from 12 years of measuring the wellbeing benefits of culture, sport and volunteering

– Shape the future of wellbeing evaluation—why it matters, how to improve it, and how funders, policy makers and charities can strengthen their impact

This is a rare opportunity to delve into wellbeing cost-effectiveness measurement and how we can use these insights to create more meaningful, lasting change.

We’d love for you to join us!

Agenda

8.45 – Networking breakfast

9.15 – Introduction from Ruth Hollis OBE

9.30 – Presentation of findings – Sara MacLennan (research lead) and Matt Whittaker (PBE CEO)

10.15 – Discussion, coffees

10.45 – Qualitative evidence, Ingrid Abreu-Scherer

11.00 – Panel discussion – UK Youth, The Wave Project, Activity Alliance, Spirit of 2012

11.40 – Response from Professor Lord Richard Layard