In this VONNE blog, Partnerships and Projects Officer, Georgia explains what a Theory of Change is and how it can help your organisation
A Theory of Change is both a planning and evaluation tool and a living document that helps organisations to focus on what they want to achieve (their long-term goals) and works backwards from that point to identify the actions needed to achieve these goals. It helps organisations to map how they make a difference. It details long-term goals, how they’re going to reach them and how they’ll track their impact.
Its an important tool that needs to be updated and reviewed regularly to make sure everything aligns to the goals. It lets you know whether you’re on track or need to make changes.
Its something that you could develop alone, but it might be more beneficial to use this as a team exercise – working together to map outcomes for the short, medium and long term for your organisation.
You might already have one but call it something different. But if you don’t and want to get started, there are loads of resources online, including:
If you can I’d suggest going to a workshop which explores Theory of Change – it’s a good way to get started and can steer you in the right direction gives you an opportunity to talk things through and ask any questions.
A lot of organisations don’t make the most of their Theory of Change but it has a real potential to inform your work and help share your organisation’s story. You can create a data framework to underpin your Theory of Change, enabling you to visualise the information and make it accessible and engaging for stakeholders across your organisation.
We’re lucky enough to be working with Hannah Underwood from Under the Hood who is hosting a three-part, in-person, data masterclass series for the Digital Pathfinders programme. The first of which is focused on how to use data to bring your Theory of Change to life.
Hannah is a social sector data strategist who supports organisations to use data to better understand, communicate and increase impact, improve decision-making and co-create socially impactful products and programmes. She has lots of experience in the VCSE sector as a previous CEO of The Key and Director of Datakind UK, you can find out more about her involvement in the ‘Data for Good’ movement in her TEDx talk.
So, register on the VONNE website to join us on Thursday 16th February, 9:30am-12:30pm at TusPark Newcastle Barclays Eagle Lab, Maybrook House, 27 Grainger Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5JE and get the most out of your Theory of Change!