Evaluation field work, or travelling to collect data for an evaluation, can be a catalyst for personal transformation. The true essence of travelling unfolds in unexpected encounters, moments of connection that breathe life into our work and world views. As a consultant in the social impact sector, I’ve stumbled upon Read more
In social impact, the term “critical friend” might not be readily associated with comfort and ease. Yet, its significance is profound — a beacon that cuts through complacency and challenges the status quo in pursuit of meaningful change. To engage in this work is to accept a relentless journey fraught Read more
Mastering Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) processes is vital for successful programme or project planning, management, and delivery. These processes entail consistently gathering data to make informed decisions and conducting regular assessments to gauge impact. The insights derived from MEL data are indispensable for deepening our understanding, refining activities, and Read more
In the world of social impact, numbers often take centre stage, but it’s the human stories that truly resonate. Social Return on Investment (SROI) isn’t just about crunching numbers—it’s about people, their lives, and how we can improve them. In the vibrant heart of Zambia, I discovered that numbers tell Read more
In the realm of social impact, passion is a double-edged sword. It fuels our drive to make a difference but can also cloud our judgment when it comes to discerning right from wrong. The social impact environment becomes even more complex when we’re tasked with delivering news that no one Read more
I’ve been away from my blog for sometime, so I thought I should re-introduce myself! It all began with a stroke of luck. Out of work and searching for direction, I stumbled upon temporary employment at Arts Council England. Little did I know, this role would be the catalyst for Read more
I know that everyone has been going through a tough time. For some, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. For others, the future is less bright. Many Social Impact organisations are struggling right now. Finances are squeezed, governments are hostile, stakeholders need higher levels of support… Read more
A couple of weeks ago I talked about the four factors for successful social impact reviews. One of the factors was communication – sharing your social impact story. To do that successfully you really need to have thought about how you might share your social impact story before you even Read more
I cannot say this strongly enough: we do this work to make the world a better place. Here’s the rub though: we don’t get to decide what someone else’s ‘better’ looks like. By now you know how much importance I put on participation from stakeholders into every step of Read more
If you really want that social impact review to be meaningful and worthwhile, make sure you get your head around these four factors: Purpose: why do you want to do the social impact review? Have you been asked to do a review by a donor as part of your grant Read more