Systems change
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.
Featured resources on systems change
Rethink, Rebuild
Coronavirus is a systemic change that demands a systemic response. We need to plot a more resilient, more equitable, more progressive future for our sector.
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, but, despite the buzz, much of what is written is abstract in tone. With the support of LankellyChase Foundation we have produced this guide to plug a gap in the systems change literature—providing accessible material and recommendations for action.
Thinking big: How to use theory of change for systems change
We think that, applied well, theory of change can support charities and funders 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.
Covid-19 means systems thinking is no longer optional
The hard reality of system interdependence is being brought directly into our homes and news feeds. What lessons will we learn? What changes will it bring? Now is the time to bring systems change out of the clouds and into the mainstream.
Embracing the process: bringing theory of change and systems change together
'Charities and funders don’t need to become experts in theory of change and systems change to benefit from them.' A week after we launched our new guide to theory of change for systems change, one of it's authors, Katie Boswell reflects on the process the team went through to create it, and what they learned about thinking big in pursuit of change.
Let’s embrace uncertainty to tackle systemic problems
Julian Corner Chief Executive of the Lankelly Chase Foundation argues that as change rarely comes in the form we expect, our strategies to achieve it should be just as flexible.
Latest updates
Covid, coordination & community response: How a systems approach can make a difference
With the winter waves upon us, we’ll explore what other charities and service providers can learn from this whole system approach.
Thoughts on how the sector can rethink and rebuild
For our 'Rethink, Rebuild' initiative, we are researching how to support the charity sector’s adaptation and increase its resilience. In this blog, we share thoughts from charity leaders on how the sector needs to change.
Time to rethink and rebuild
‘Post-Covid’ is not a phrase we can use for a while. This is a moment of systemic change that demands a systemic response.
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?
Covid-19 means systems thinking is no longer optional
The hard reality of system interdependence is being brought directly into our homes and news feeds. What lessons will we learn? What changes will it bring? Now is the time to bring systems change out of the clouds and into the mainstream.
How philanthropists should respond to coronavirus
A collaborative effort to help philanthropists keep charities serving throughout the coronavirus crisis, and prepare for whatever challenges the post-covid world will hold.
Barriers to systems change: What we’re hearing from the sector
Systems change is attracting more and more attention lately. Charities and funders have been telling us what barriers they face when ‘doing’ systems change. Here's how they might overcome three common issues.
State of the Sector 2020: Why insights and understanding are vital at this critical time for the charity sector
State of the Sector is our comprehensive survey of the opinions of charity leaders. PwC are proud to once again be co-sponsors of this research, at this critical juncture for the charity sector.
Ending homelessness: how collaboration can drive change
Funders Together to End Homelessness - a network of funders which supports strategic, innovative, and effective solutions to homelessness. This blog discusses the importance of collaborating and systems change in preventing and ending homelessness.
The conspicuous absence of the social sector (in this election’s manifestos)
Charities and funders seem to be missing from all the parties' manifestos in the 2019 general election, but they will be a vital partner for any future government. NPC Head of Policy Leah Davis introduces our manifesto, which explores the openness required for the future relationship to have impact.
State of the Sector 2020
State of the sector, our comprehensive survey of the opinions of charity leaders is returning for 2020. Theo Clay, lead researcher on the project sets out what's changed, what's stayed the same, and what we hope to achieve.
Should insourcing be the default, and what might it mean for charities?
After a period focused on outsourcing, some in local government seem to be taking services back in house. Why is this happening and is there a danger charities will be cut out of providing vital services.
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.
Get in touch