The four main components of a Social Audit are:

1. Statement of Purpose – engaging the community in setting priorities: long term vision – medium term strategy – short term operational criteria
2. External View - stakeholder and service assessment: benefits received – problems identified – solutions designed, planned and implemented
3. Internal View – organisational assessment: effectiveness of operational methodology – efficiency of management systems – satisfaction of board members, staff and volunteers
4. Review and Planning – the learning loop: learning lessons from the previous years planned and actual results, making changes and planning the next years strategy and criteria

The Social Audit cycle starts with the Statement of Purpose and Planning, this reviews the results of last year's purpose and plans and establishes this year's purpose and plans.

The External View engages a wide range of stakeholders and forms a view of the organisation's position within the wider context.

The Internal View engages with the board of directors, staff and volunteers in assessing and designing satisfactory ways of working and reward, and makes sure the organisation management and systems are able to achieve the purpose and plans.

The Monitoring and Evaluation element is where the Social Audit Team manages the Social Audit and measures performance.