It's Time To Think About Impact... Differently

MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) is one of the biggest buzzwords in the public and non-profit sectors right now. As someone who has been working in MEAL for more than a decade, this should make me happy. But, instead, I'm concerned.

Because it's not just about measuring impact, it's about measuring impact the right way to create meaningful initiatives and change.

In many cases, conversations about MEAL are focused on (a) looking good to funders, the public, media, and other stakeholders; (b) what funding is available; (c) current commitments and staying the course with existing projects; and (d) treating this vital work as a tickbox exercise.

I'm on a mission to redefine impact—because it's not just about doing more, it's about doing what truly matters. I believe it's time to shift how we think about impact—from a vague buzzword to a powerful, measurable force for change. This isn't just about making a difference. It's about making the right difference.

There are five key ways I am rethinking the way we view and consider impact.

Bold Visions
Too often, our work is defined by our current realities. But, it is exactly this type of thinking that has gotten us to where we are today. We need to imagine new realities and new futures rooted in equity, social justice, and environmental justice for all.

That is why I don't let today's limitations stifle tomorrow's possibilities. I believe anyone working for the public good needs to dream big—envisioning a more just, equitable world—and then build the roadmap to get there.

Future-Focused
Conversations about impact should not start with the work we are currently doing. They should start with our end goal—imagining the world we want to live in. From that vision, you can then work backwards to map out the bold, strategic steps that will take you there.

Growth-Driven
Impact isn't just about showing that what we are doing works. Lasting impact comes from constant evolution.

It takes critical reflection and strategic learning to amplify what works and adapt where needed. That way, you are always moving forward, stronger, rather than being stuck doing what you have historically done.

Storytelling with Substance
Impact isn't just about numbers. It's not just about getting a few stats that look good and sharing them with your funders and donors.

Impact deserves to be seen, heard, and felt. Data needs to be transformed into powerful, human-centred narratives that showcase your work, the lives you touch, and the future you are shaping.

Co-Created and Intersectional
Real change is never top-down. It's built with people, not just for them. Those you are seeking to support must be at the centre of your understanding of impact.

Diverse voices need to be centred, prioritising lived experience, and embedding participation at every level—ensuring inclusion is not an afterthought, but the foundation.

Your Next Steps

Let's Talk – On Me
I offer a FREE 45-minute consultation to anyone working for the public good.

No budget? No problem. If you're committed to making an impact, I want to help you do it better. This isn't just work—it's a mission. Let's make change happen, together.

Free Resources
Get started today by using my FREE tool: Thinking About Your Impact. You can use the online Google Form or a downloadable version to start planning how you will start measuring, analysing, and reporting on your impact today.

I've got everything you need to get started, including a second FREE tool: Your Data, to keep track of and understand what impact data you currently hold, its strengths and limitations. You can copy the online Google template or use the downloadable Excel version.

You can use these internally or, if you want to go even further, get in touch to discuss your next steps.