Systems change
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In the social sector it can often feel like we’re just mopping up messes and plugging endless leaks without ever managing to fix the underlying fault in the plumbing system. Dealing with the symptoms not the causes.
We need attend to the leaks: leaks are urgent, and not doing so might cause flooding or even drowning. But eventually the question comes: why does this system keep leaking, and can we fix it or change it?
First, we need to develop a systems mindset—understanding the system as a whole and how it behaves, then realising we can’t fix it ourselves! It takes the system to fix the system—but we are part of it and have our role to play.
So how do we think and work more as a system? How do we begin to address the causes and not just the symptoms?
NPC’s blog on understanding systems change, our guide to systems change, and our systems practice toolkit are great places to start.
Whatever challenges you face, our resources, training, and consultancy support can help you adopt a systems change approach.
Talk to us
Have a question, comment, or want to work with us on systems change? Get in touch with Katie Boswell, Associate Director.
Find out more
How we can help
We can work with you directly to help embed systemic thinking and practice in your work. This could include:
- Training on systems change and what it might mean for your organisation;
- Conducting systems mapping for your issue, sector or stakeholders;
- Support to embed a systems approach in your organisational strategy;
- Development of a systemic theory of change;
- Evaluation of a systems change programme; and
- Support with developing or running effective collaborations.
Get in touch to find out how our specialists could help you become a system changing organisation!
The reflective systems spaces convened by NPC brought together different experiences and perspectives from across the three boroughs; commissioners, practitioners, and people with lived and learned experiences. All the parts of the system were there—that’s really powerful and provides equity in a shared space creating a depth of understanding to explore behaviour and mindsets. Embedding co-production, academic research, and system thinking alongside Fulfilling Lives LSL system change projects created a unique and valuable partnership. The partnership did a fantastic job bringing a much-needed space to reflect and explore how the different parts of the system do and can behave together.
Diane Elizabeth Smith MBE
Head of Programme, Fulfilling Lives LSL
Organisations we've worked with
Featured resources on systems change
Resources
Systems change: A guide to what it is and how to do it
This guide has been produced to plug a gap in the systems change literature—providing accessible material and recommendations for action.
Resources
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.
Resources
Systems Practice Toolkit
This toolkit will help you understand the nature of the problem you’re facing, design effective solutions, act and work systemically, and learn as you go.
Latest updates
Blog
Listen: Impact measurement and the systems change approach
Listen to Elliot Trevithick, NPC's Principal for Charities Evaluation and Learning on the Third Sector Podcast.
Blog
5 challenges of evaluating systems change work and how to approach them
It’s difficult to establish cause and effect. To evaluate, you'll need to map the system and create a theory of change.
