Understand what Theory of Change is
Learn what a Theory of Change is, when it’s useful, and how it supports planning and evaluation.
Create a vital tool for engaging funders
A clear and well-formed Theory of Change is vital for getting funders and other stake holders invested in what you do.
Strategise the impact your impact
Use your Theory of Change to plan and improve the impact that you create.
Plan how you’ll test and communicate it
Build a clear, credible Theory of Change and plan how you’ll evidence and share it with stakeholders.
About the workshop
A Theory of Change is a powerful tool that helps organisations and initiatives plan how they will create change, assess effectiveness and communicate with stakeholders. It’s widely used by charities, social enterprises and public sector organisations.
In this workshop, you’ll explore what a Theory of Change is, how to construct one, and how to select the right model for your needs. We’ll look at how Theory of Change supports strategic planning and evaluation, and practise “talking in outcomes” so your work is easier to describe and evidence. You’ll also build confidence using the component parts of a Theory of Change, find an approach that works for you, and plan how you’ll test and communicate it.
The course is based on one originally developed by NEF Consulting, the consultancy of the New Economics Foundation.
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the big picture: Theory of Change and its role in strategic planning and evaluation
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how to explore and choose between different models, depending on your audience and purpose
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talking in outcomes: different kinds of outcomes and how to describe them clearly
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how to use a Theory of Change framework
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be able to describe a Theory of Change and when it is appropriate to use it
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understand what an outcome is, and describe the similarities and differences between a Theory of Change and a logic model
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feel confident using the component parts of a Theory of Change and communicating their strategic value
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find an approach to visualising and describing a Theory of Change that works for you
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plan how you will test and communicate your Theory of Change
You’ll learn through clear teaching, guided discussion and practical exercises to help you apply the concepts to your own planning or evaluation work. Joining details will be emailed to you in the run up to the workshop.
This workshop takes place live online via Zoom.
Useful resources will be shared after this workshop including:
- The slides from the presentation.
- Links to useful online resources.
- Downloadable content.
The course takes place over two mornings, one week apart: 9.30am–12.30pm on both days (including breaks). Across the two sessions we’ll explore different Theory of Change models, unpack outcomes, practise using a framework, and plan how you’ll test and communicate your Theory of Change.
Anyone looking to bring the strategic lens of Theory of Change to their planning or evaluation.
About the trainer
Nicola Lynch is a Social Value and impact management consultant, with over 20 years’ experience across civil society, social enterprise and public sectors. A Social Value International Accredited Trainer—one of only four in the UK—Nicola specialises in Theory of Change, evaluation and stakeholder engagement. She delivers training through NEF Consulting, the School for Social Entrepreneurs and bespoke programmes.
Nicola’s approach blends strategic insight with accessible, practical delivery, and she is known for her clarity, empathy and ability to make complex concepts engaging. Nicola has worked with clients from grassroots organisations to large corporates, helping them embed meaningful, measurable impact.
Impact skills for anyone
Our workshops are designed for people looking to create impact, but anyone, anywhere can join.
15% off for Early Birds
A limited number of Early Bird tickets are available at a discount of 15% off.
Expert-led course
This course is delivered by Nicola Lynch, a Theory of Change specialist with 20+ years of experience.
Essential skills in a two sessions
Strengthen yourself and your projects in just 2x 3 hour sessions. Take part in discussions and exercises. Come away with practical actions.
Feedback about SSE workshops
87 %
of people score 8/10 or above for quality of facilitation
84 %
of people score 7/10 or above for usefulness
758
Workshop places booked in 2025
FAQ
If you have any questions that are not answered here, please feel free to contact us.
Yes, we can offer any of our workshops or completely bespoke training on request. Please contact us to discuss the options.
You are very welcome to book for multiple people but each individual joining the workshop must be booked on to join, even if sharing a computer. You can select your number of tickets when you make your booking.
If you are booking for 3 or more people, feel free to contact us to enquire about a group discount.
Cancellations or booking changes can be made up until 7 days before the workshop. You may change the name of the person attending at any time but only one person can join the course per booking.
If you wish to make a change or cancellation please contact us and state the name of the workshop and email address used to make the booking.
This workshop takes place online via Zoom. Once you have booked your place you will receive joining instructions in your confirmation email and in reminders closer to the time of the workshop.
All currently available dates are listed in the Book now section. We run most of our workshops repeatedly throughout the year, so if you cannot see further dates, they may not have yet been scheduled. Subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of the page to be kept up to date.
We do not record all our workshops as they are interactive workshops and watching back a recording does not provide the value of taking part live. It also allows people to speak more freely when taking part in discussions within the workshop.
Please see our section on Prices.
At the School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE), we back people with purpose. With practical learning that makes sense in the real world. With funding that grows as you grow. With mentors, peers and people who’ve been there and done it. We don’t care where you started. We care about where you’re going and the difference you want to make in your life, in your community, and in the world.
Find out more about SSE here.
You can see the times under the dates in the Book Now section. All the workshops are on London, UK time.
If you have a question that is not answered on this page, please feel free to contact us.
Prices
Select a date in the Book Now section to see prices. Please note:
- The price is based on your organisation’s total annual income, regardless of profit.
- Our pricing is designed to be as accessible as possible for people wanting to create impact at any scale.
- The prices you can see are already heavily discounted, particularly for smaller organisations.
- There are no additional discounts for not-for-profits or government organisations.
Early bird tickets
A limited number of Early Bird tickets are available at a discount of 15% off.
Group bookings
If you would like to make a booking for 3 or more places please contact us to get a price for a group discount.
Bespoke training and support
We have a range of options for delivering impactful training to your organisation or organisations you support. Get in touch to find out more.
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