The British Red Cross

The challenge 

The British Red Cross (BRC) helps millions of people in the UK and around the world get the support that they need when crisis strikes. The BRC was developing a UK Climate Adaptation Theory of Change (ToC) to support its climate adaptation work programme as part of the Crisis and Emergency Service. Whilst the BRC led this work in-house, it commissioned ‘critical friend’ support from NPC to provide technical advice on ToC development, and feedback on content based on learning from the Everyone’s Environment programme.  

As a major stakeholder in the UK’s response to humanitarian crises–including climate change exacerbated by adverse whether such as floods and heatwaves–it was important that the ToC helped the BRC to understand how it could contribute within the ecosystem, and how its own internal processes and resources may have to change. 

The approach 

NPC offered initial observations via a project kick-off meeting with the client, exploring the purpose of the ToC, what success would look like, and anticipated challenges. We then provided feedback on iterative drafts over a six-month period. 

Internally the BRC led an inclusive approach speaking with staff, volunteers, external stakeholders, and representatives of service users, as well as building on its extensive knowledge of the field. This had the dual benefit of supporting an evidence-based ToC that maximised inclusion of internal insight and buy-in. NPC provided feedback on who to engage, how to get the best out of the consultation, and technical challenge to ensure that the ToC content was as clear as possible. 

The result 

NPC’s critical friend support helped the BRC to hone thinking around complex issues into a clearly articulated narrative and ToC diagram. Our support focused on sharing ToC best practice and learning from NPC’s Everyone’s Environment programme. As a result, the ToC had clear connections between activity, outcomes and impact, alongside awareness of spheres of direct influence and indirect influence, with a clear accountability line between. The ToC provides a clear vision to work towards as well as short and medium-term outcomes.  

NPC’s support was helpful in shaping and refining our Theory of Change, which is now a powerful tool demonstrating our British Red Cross Crisis and Emergency Response commitment to climate change adaptation.

Dr Ellie Murtagh, UK Climate Adaptation Lead