We have now developed SIAA’s theory of change based on the aims outlined here. Our theory of change outlines each of the outcomes of SIAA’s activities, which combined move us towards our long-term goal of charities and mission-driven organisations undertaking social impact analysis in order to improve their performance.

SIAA is currently a pilot for an New Philanthropy Capital project on the impact of infrastructure organisations, undertaken for ACEVO. Within the context of this pilot, New Philanthropy Capital will work with SIAA to measure and assess our progress towards our desired short-term outcomes and will provide a framework with which to assess SIAA’s longer-term success and impact.

We will assess and report on our impact in four stages, as follow:

1. Identifying outcomes for measurement;

2. Assessing the current measurement we have in place;

3. Developing measurement plan and tools;

4. Communicating impact

Our theory of change represents stage one of this process. We are currently working on the tools we will use to assess and measure our impact. A report on SIAA’s progress since it first started accepting members in September 2011 will be published in autumn 2012.