Next Steps

Developing an impact strategy is a great place to start.

Managing and measuring impact is critical in the current funding environment and a vital part to improving any organisation’s effectiveness. The size and scope of data that is available today can be overwhelming, but an impact measurement framework can still be designed so that is simple to implement. Reaching that simplicity requires a deep understanding of how positive change is being created by the organisation, and the clear focus on identifying a few simple sets of measures that convey enough information to inform stakeholders and provide insights to improve organisational practices.

We lead our client organisations through the strategic thinking process required to simplify impact measurement, and design the measurement framework, data capture mechanisms and reporting. We can also implement the system on an ongoing basis if required.

Many organisations are keen to explore new working models, both those that maximise impact as well as those that will tap into new revenue streams, but don’t know where to begin. A contract or investment readiness assessment is a review of the scope, size, and costs of the social/environmental issue you are working on, as well as the capability and business model of your organisation, to determine if there is potential for new investment.

New models may take the form of an outcomes based government contract, scaling an existing approach, or establishing a new enterprise. There may also be potential for new partnerships and shared value creation. The contract or investment readiness assessment looks at the evidence base supporting the potential approaches, the quality of the outcomes generated, how those outcomes are currently measured, the market potential, the systems and processes the organisation currently has in place and what will be required to become contract or investment ready.

The assessment will detail the various options for generating new revenue streams, with the strengths and weaknesses, risks and rewards of each. The organisation can then prioritise which option, or options, are best suited to the executive team’s and the board’s risk appetite. Social Outcomes can then work with the organisation to build a comprehensive, evidence-based, business model and a business plan to attract investors or negotiate new contracts.

If the leadership team in your organisation is keen to explore options but needs to secure buy-in from the board before proceeding, then a board session is the right next step. We offer a one or two hour session with boards to help them understand the opportunities and risks of these innovations and answer any questions or concerns they may have.

We can also assist with pre and post board meeting planning to get the most out of the opportunity.