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National Council of Social Service
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Insights to Impact (i2i)

Bringing together experts to provide actionable insights and foster discussions that strengthen the sector’s ability to meet evolving needs.

Last updated 3 January 2025

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Overview
Adoption of evidence-based practice in the sector (July 2024)

Overview

A panel discussion during a research forum in a lecture hall setting.

Held 3-4 times annually, the Insights to Impact (i2i) series harness the collective expertise of sector stakeholders in research and practice. Events in the series, such as seminars and workshops, address key service user and sector needs, and provide actionable recommendations for stakeholders to implement in their work.

i2i also fosters an environment where stakeholders can engage in crucial discussions that build up a sector that is future-ready and effective in meeting the evolving needs of service users. They can:

  • Hear about the latest research and evaluation insights, and how they can drive practice, policy and decision-making

  • Enhance research and evaluation capabilities for service planning

  • Discover opportunities for collaboration and partnership

  • Contribute to a robust body of knowledge for evidence-based practice

Adoption of evidence-based practice in the sector (July 2024)

With more than 450 participants from social service agencies (SSAs), public service and funders, important conversations were held on the benefits that evaluation brings to work in the social service sector, and how this could be implemented in practice.

Professor Martin Knapp delivering a presentation, standing at a podium with a slide displayed in the background.
Professor Martin Knapp and a group of professionals standing together in front of the presentation screen.

NCSS was honoured to have the keynote delivered by Professor Martin Knapp, CBE, whose partnership and advice has been valuable in the setting up of the Sector Evaluation Framework. He spoke on the “What Works” model in the UK as a case study, and similar areas of opportunity for evidence-based practice and collaboration in Singapore.

NCSS, Tote Board, and SHINE Children and Youth Services also shared how evaluation facilitates the work of a sector developer, funder, and SSA respectively.

Evaluation sets the foundation for:

Quantifying good work

  • Articulates intervention impact

  • Identifies programme strengths and needs

  • Ensures person-centric interventions

Stronger partnerships

  • Provides common basis of understanding between stakeholders

  • Builds stakeholder confidence and commitment

Growth as one sector

  • Helps stakeholders align perspectives

  • Ensures focused and synergised collaboration

  • Unites the sector for the benefit of service users

The ABCs of implementing evaluation:

  • Ask when in doubt. Frank discussions with stakeholders will allow for addressing concerns and challenges, co-creating solutions, and collective growth as a sector.

  • Be curious and courageous. Start/follow through with evaluation efforts and be curious on what the data says. In the long run, this will help service planning be more sustainable and effective.

  • Collaboration is key. Tapping on one another’s expertise and aligning on key goals and priorities facilitates service planning and sector progress.