Thinking big: How to use theory of change for systems change
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Systems change is helping a range of charities, funders and practitioners to deal with the root causes of social problems.
The approach requires us not only to understand why difficult social problems persist but also to challenge our own role tackling them—a formidable task.
But if all of us in the voluntary sector are to become effective agents of change, we need to get better at challenging ourselves.
We think that, applied well, theory of change can support charities and funders that want to take a systemic approach to their work.
This report identifies five common pitfalls that organisations fall into when using theory of change, and walks through five rules of thumb that will help organisations to use the approach to tackle complex problems.
Let us know your thoughts on the report on Twitter @NPCthinks and @LankellyChase using #SystemsChange, or drop us a line at info@thinkNPC.org.
Report authors
We offer theory of change training for charities and funders throughout the year. Find out more on the events page.
More on theory of change:
Theory of change in ten steps
A theory of change process encourages us to reflect on our aims and plans, to discuss them with others and to make them explicit. We see this process as the foundation of charity strategy, evaluation and communication.
Theory of change: Kooth for adults
How do adults use online counselling and well-being services? This theory of change, developed collaboratively by Kooth Plc and NPC, provides the foundation for an evaluation of a user’s journey through Kooth's adult services.
How to do situation analysis when everything is changing
You need to know where you are now before mapping out where you’d like to get to. But how do you do this when everything is changing?
What a theory of change can offer environmental organisations
These are tough times for communities and the charities supporting them, and climate change won’t make them any easier. Whether you are addressing social issues, environmental issues, or both, a theory of change can help you to make impact driven choices that support both people and the planet.
How to adapt your strategy approach for times of change
Covid-19 means charities must develop adaptive strategies, but how can we do this well?
Understanding Impact
How to turn your theory of change into a plan for measurement, the five types of data you will need to pay attention to, and how to prioritise what to measure.
Four tips to write a good Theory of Change
Every charity or funder needs a theory of change, but it's not always a simple thing to come up with. Here Margery Infield, NPC Consultant, shares some lessons from a recent Theory of Change training event.
Theory of change in ten steps
This new guide is a ten step handbook to creating a theory of change, built on many years of developing them for charities and funders. It will teach you the basics, our core approach, with the information you need to do any theory of change.
How to do a basic theory of change
James Noble introduces NPC's new thinking on theory of change.
NPC Ignites: People, Impact, Purpose
What can you expect from our annual conference NPC Ignites 2019?
Help us make theory of change even more useful
Over the next few months, with the support of the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, we are going to be rewriting and redesigning our guidance on theory of change and we want your help.
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. This report identifies five common pitfalls when using theory of change, and walks through five rules that will help organisations to use the approach to tackle complex problems.
