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. This guide has been produced 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
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.
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.
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