
Systems change
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How do we get to the heart of an issue? What is the root cause of homelessness, crime, health inequality, and youth poverty? To achieve real change it’s not enough to focus solely on the issue at hand. We need to look at the whole system.
Systems change is about how our society is structured. By understanding the complexity of the environment you are working in, and the systems you are part of, you stand a much greater chance of securing lasting change.
Thinking Big is our guide to using theory of change for systems change, with five ways to succeed and five pitfalls to avoid. We also run regular training sessions to help you put this guidance into practice.
Coronavirus has shown us just how integral systems change is, and why we need to bring it out of the clouds and into the mainstream. If you’re keen to support research into how systems change can meet other social challenges we’d love to hear from you.
Systems mapping and analysis
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Featured resources on systems change

Resources
Systems change: A guide to what it is and how to do it
Systems change has been attracting the attention of those in the social sector who want to deal with the root causes of problems. This guide has been produced to plug a gap in the systems change literature—providing accessible material and recommendations for action.

Resources
Thinking big: How to use theory of change for systems change
Applied well, theory of change can support charities and funders to take a systemic approach to their work.
Latest updates

Blog
Creating social change: lessons from the frontline
Rachel Krengel, Senior Consultant at the Social Change Agency, reflects on learning from Comic Relief’s Change Makers programme.

Blog
Fozia Irfan: What will it take to shift power in grantmaking?
To mark our 20th birthday, we spoke with Fozia Irfan to ask: What will it take to shift power in grantmaking?
Talk to us
Have a question, comment, or want to work with us on systems change? Get in touch with Seth Reynolds NPC’s Systems Change Principal.
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