Quarterly Logo

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

paw tracks on pathways heading over the hills symbolising the Backtrack way reaching far and wide Shows women wtth two children being lifted by balloon over a dark chasm in ground to show that the SIB consists of three strong parties creating a strong structure to support Newpin program showing trees holding up under a strong wind woman weightlifter holding weight bar above head in crouch

Scaling community programs the BackTrack way

How do you spread the impact of your program when it is rooted in your local community’s response to young people doing it tough? BackTrack has been finding out.

Read More

How to reduce child poverty in Australia

New research from the Australian National University has SVA and Brotherhood of St Laurence (BSL) calling on the government to raise income support rates given the current levels predict dire outcomes for children and families relying on social security payments.

Read More

Social impact bonds: a tale of three Newpins

The Newpin family reunification program has been deployed under the Social Impact Bond (SIB) mechanism in three states: one successful landing; one termination; one taking flight. SVA has been a key part of the crew on all three. So, what have we learned? +Podcast

Read More

Vulnerability and resilience in the social sector: what we learnt through Covid-19

Supporting social purpose organisations through 2020 taught the Paul Ramsay Foundation and SVA key lessons about what leads to vulnerability or resilience in a crisis.

Read More

Disability housing: what does good look like?

SVA has partnered with the disability sector to co-develop a common outcomes framework for disability housing that is both meaningful and practical. +Podcast

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

Explore articles

Showing: Systems change
Recent Issues
woman weightlifter holding weight bar above head in crouch

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.

Read More Long Read
Whirlwind with education items caught up inside & spinning out

Evidence for Learning’s rapid response to Covid-19

During the Covid-19 crisis’ impact on the Australian education system, Evidence for Learning (E4L) has been providing evidence-based advice to teachers to help deliver effective home supported learning.

Read More Medium Read
Train approaching fallen viaduct across chasm

Action needed to avoid loss of crucial charity services and jobs

SVA analysis shows that action is needed to ensure a thriving charities sector which can support Australia through this pandemic crisis as well as the ensuing economic recovery – to build back towards an Australia where all people and communities thrive.

Read More Medium Read
sail boat amidst big stormy sea

Navigating change in the public and social sectors

Public and social sector leaders discuss navigating transformation and disruption – from a session at IPAA Victoria’s Public Sector Week 2019.

Read More Long Read
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

Read More Medium Read
Older women experiencing homelessness OWLs

Improving the outcomes for older women at risk of homelessness

Older single women are the fastest growing cohort of people experiencing homelessness in Australia. Why is this? And what are the drivers for better outcomes for these women?

Read More Short Read
Illustration of wallet, credit card & coins

Shifting battlegrounds for financial wellbeing

Some emerging trends with the potential to ‘move the dial’ on the increasing numbers of Australians experiencing severe financial vulnerability and stress​. +Audio

Read More Medium Read
illustration of toy rocket

Goodstart: steering a social enterprise for impact

How does Goodstart, as a social enterprise, balance its commercial and social goals; and what role does influencing the system play in meeting its purpose? +Podcast

Read More Medium Read

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.

Read More Short Read
corporate woman taking a leap

Cross-sector partnerships: will corporates step up?

What will motivate corporate Australia to step up to systems change in its cross-sector partnerships? Five questions provide a road map.

Read More Short Read

How catalytic advocacy can speed up system change

How organisations can use proven initiatives as catalysts for change in government policies and service systems.

Read More Medium Read
Movember's moustaches

Movember: changing a system collaboratively

Movember’s story shows what can be achieved if you harness the collective wisdom of diverse stakeholders, galvanise disparate players to collaborate and focus on the goal.

Read More Long Read