Organisation and people

Building on past efforts, Oikocredit went one step further to emphasize the importance of social performance by establishing a Department of Social Performance and Financial Analysis in 2009. The department sets social performance goals, monitors progress toward those goals, and uses SP information to improve the organization's performance.

Oikocredit believes that microfinance itself does not assure poverty alleviation, and success often requires express social performance strategies such as tailor-made services for diverse client segments.

The new department will assess the performance of Oikocredit's partners while overseeing capacity building projects and credit analysis.

(r) Ben Simmes, Director Social Performance and Financial Analysis

(l) Ging Ledesma, Manager Social Performance

Director of the new department, Ben Simmes, believes it is critical to the mission of fair financing to analyse both the financial and social aspects of investments at every stage of the relationship with project partners and its clients. Along with Department Social Performance & Financial Analysis, Ben Simmes has also picked up the role of Oikocredit Deputy Managing Director.