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Sharing insights from SVA’s work and across the social sector to prompt learning and discussion about effective practice.

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Developing sustainable and high impact NFPs for Indigenous Australians

Aboriginal non-profit leader and SVA’s newest board member, Adam Davids offers insights for Indigenous not-for-profits by drawing on the experience of successful racial minority-serving institutions in the USA.

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The Uluru Statement from the Heart: what now?

Professor Megan Davis, Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous at the University of NSW and primary architect of the regional dialogues behind the Uluru Statement from the Heart, explains where it is up to and why it is so important.

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Scenario planning for times of great uncertainty

Using scenario planning is a valuable way to understand the potential impacts on demand when many uncertainties are at play – as demonstrated in this example in the Victorian child and family services sector during Covid-19. +Audio

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Paradigm shift needed to address joblessness beyond Covid-19

With joblessness rising fast, responsibility falls with the Federal Government to become the primary job creator and ensure an inclusive recovery.

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A guide to social impact measurement

Get on top of your social impact measurement and evaluation projects with this accessible guide to existing SVA Quarterly articles.

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Why economic recovery relies on charities as a strong industry

Charities play a critical role in supporting and strengthening people and communities in Australia, but they also have a crucial role to play in Australia’s economy and its recovery from the impact of Covid-19.

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Showing: Organisational effectiveness
Recent Issues

Scenario planning for times of great uncertainty

Using scenario planning is a valuable way to understand the potential impacts on demand when many uncertainties are at play – as demonstrated in this example in the Victorian child and family services sector during Covid-19. +Audio

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It's about the questions that boards need to ask themselves

Mergers and acquisitions: four things for boards to keep top of mind

How to get real about the questions not-for-profit board members need to ask when a merger or acquisition comes up.

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Person amidst a maze of question marks

‘Bulletproof problem solving’: could it work in the social sector?

SVA CEO, Suzie Riddell talks to Rob McLean, Director Emeritus of McKinsey and Company, about problem solving and how the seven step process from his co-authored book can be applied to complex social issues. +Podcast

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lifeline Quarterly article illustration

How ‘help seekers’ are informing Lifeline’s digital service innovation

The story of how Lifeline Australia brought the beneficiaries’ voice and experience into developing a text-based, crisis support service.

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Client feedback report illustration - feedback icons

Harnessing the power of client feedback

A good client feedback system helps improve both client outcomes and financial sustainability. What does it look like and how does the disability sector stack up?

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Road through rolling country

Strategy in the social purpose sector: what’s critical?

SVA’s strategy consultants share their thoughts and observations about developing and implementing strategy in the social sector. +Video

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Growing effectiveness – one year on

This month marks a year since SVA launched the SVA Fundamentals for Impact. Over that time we have learnt a lot about how to use and adapt the framework.

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How disability service providers can become more customer-centric

A practical guide for providers looking to be more effective and efficient in supporting customers. +Podcast

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Are you really focused on your clients?

Prompts to help you reflect on how well you focus on your clients and what they need, drawing upon the SVA Fundamentals for Impact.

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implementation science illustration

Implementation science: what is it?

The social sector needs to take notice of this growing field that’s driving better interventions in health, education and human services. +Podcast

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breakfasts from different cultures

How culture eats strategy in the social sector

Richard Spencer explores what it takes to create and maintain a healthy culture and how it contributes to effectiveness in the social sector. +Podcast

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SVA Fundamentals for Impact: are you doing good?

The SVA Fundamentals for Impact enable organisations to assess whether they are being effective and how they can do better. Why and how was the framework developed? +Audio

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Impact group

How to be more effective in reducing disadvantage?

After 10 years in the sector, SVA Consulting reflects on the strategies and interventions that it has seen deliver the greatest impact. +Audio

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The value of a peer operated service

The value of a peer operated service

Insights from SVA’s analysis of a peer operated mental health service which reveals just how and why this approach is so valuable to those accessing the service and the local mental health system. +Audio

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Process efficiencies

Process efficiencies help non-profits achieve more impact

Case studies show social purpose organisations are reaping the benefits of improved process efficiencies. Find out how. + Podcast

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Lining up community and business goals

Adam Check, Head of Community at the NRL, talks about the NRL’s community engagement strategy, practicing what you preach, and how this can contribute to the Game’s bottom line.

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Making your mission matter

We talk a lot about ‘mission’ in the for-purpose sector. But what is a mission, and how do organisations think about and use their mission? Three CEOs share their experience.

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The hidden business of social enterprise

Having a social purpose does not exempt an enterprise from the essentials of business; even if it’s hard to see you must have a sound business engine at the core.

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