Step 1: Using a Theory of Change to plan your impact
The Theory of Change is a planning tool that encourages you to reflect on your aims and plans, to discuss them with others, and to make them explicit.
A clear, concise, and convincing explanation of what you do and the difference you aim to have is a vital foundation of any organisation’s strategy, evaluation, and communication.
A Theory of Change explains how an organisation has an impact on its beneficiaries. It outlines all the things that a programme does for its beneficiaries, the ultimate impact that it aims to have on them, and all the separate outcomes that lead or contribute to that impact.
A Theory of Change is often represented in diagram form. This can take the form of a Weaver’s Triangle or a Logic Model. It is also possible to do a narrative version of a Theory of Change. It is worthwhile to remember that it is the process of doing a Theory of Change that is important, not the end diagram!
A Theory of Change should not refer to the scale, growth plan, or operational details of the organisation itself. Rather, it should effectively describe and explain the impact of the organisation’s services from a beneficiary’s point of view.
How to create a Theory of Change
The charity New Philanthropy Capital (NPC) produced Theory of Change in 10 steps. This guide is aimed at small organisations that are new to measuring impact and is based on their learning from supporting organisations for many years to develop their Theory of Change.
The blog called 4 Tips to write a good theory of change by Margery Infield from NPC is also worth a quick read, as it advocates that all organisations should try and articulate their Theory of Change in no more than 20 boxes and not over complicate it.
Theory of Change Examples:
Refugee Council– a good example of a one-page Theory of Change poster.
New Horizon Youth Centre – a good example of a narrative version
