Theory of change
We see theory of change as the foundation of charity strategy, evaluation and communication. Our free guidance is one of the most popular resources we offer. To get started on your theory of change, read our Theory of change in ten steps. To dig deeper, we run regular training sessions, and our consultants can help you develop bespoke theories of change for your projects and services.
Theory of change in ten steps
Our ten step handbook to creating a theory of change is built on many years of developing them for charities and funders.
On 9 October 2019.
Mechanisms – A missing component in your theory of change?
A realist approach to evaluation, which stresses how contexts interact with mechanisms to achieve outcomes.
On 9 October 2019.
How to do a basic theory of change
James Noble introduces NPC's new thinking on theory of change. There are ten steps in all.
By James Noble .
On 9 October 2019.
Event
Theory of change in ten steps
On 24 September 2026, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm at Zoom
This seminar will run through how to develop a theory of change, based on our guidance 'Theory of change in ten steps'.
Event
Theory of change in ten steps
On 2 July 2026, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm at Zoom
This seminar taking place on 2 July will run through how to develop a theory of change, based on our guidance 'Theory of change in ten steps'.
Blog
Highlights from the Strategy Peer Network in 2025
By Kaan Yilmazturk .
On 22 December 2025.
Highlights from NPC’s Strategy Peer Network in 2025, exploring how charity strategy leaders shared learning on adaptation, systems thinking and impact.
Organisation we’ve worked with
L’Arche
On 16 December 2025.
NPC helped L’Arche UK unite 11 communities through a Big Conversation, creating a Theory of Change and impact tools for clarity and measurement.
Blog
Reflections from the GambleAware showcase event
On 2 December 2025.
Insights from GambleAware’s Showcasing & Networking Event: tackling gambling harms through lived experience, cultural inclusion & systemic change.
Blog
Developing a theory of change is transforming our approach to impact measurement
By Laura Sims.
On 16 October 2025.
How St John has developed an organisation-wide theory of change to clarify its societal impact and the strategy to achieve it.
Organisation we’ve worked with
London Foundation for Banking and Finance
On 29 August 2025.
NPC helped LFBF build a Theory of Change and impact framework to align strategy and measure progress in financial capability.
Blog
5 things we learned when we developed our theory of change
By Natascha Dekkers.
On 21 August 2025.
At the Motability Foundation, we recently developed our new five-year strategy. Here are five things I learned along the way.
Blog
Theory of Change: responding to 6 common criticisms
By Jessica Weir .
On 3 July 2025.
Theory of change can withstand the criticisms levied at it–as long as you do it right.
Blog
4 questions to ask when building an impact dashboard
By Kaan Yilmazturk, and Elliot Trevithick .
On 16 June 2025.
Where are you on your impact journey? What’s your main aim? How will you collect and manage the data? Who will maintain and update the dashboard?
Organisation we’ve worked with
Leukaemia UK
On 11 June 2025.
Leukaemia UK asked NPC to facilitate a theory of change process to help them review their current activity against their strategic objectives.
Organisation we’ve worked with
Unity Trust Bank
On 10 June 2025.
Unity Trust Bank has launched a pioneering new initiative to help customers increase their social impact and measure it more effectively.
