Impact Matters

In this month’s Impact Matters, Professor Paul Montgomery-Marks, Professor of Social Intervention at the Third Sector Research Centre, University of Birmingham, and associate of 3DI, explores how evaluation is best understood as a cumulative process. Drawing on his experience leading over 50 systematic reviews and numerous trials, Paul introduces the ORBIT model to illustrate how charities can build evidence methodically, ensuring each stage of research is grounded in clear purpose, robust design, and meaningful engagement with the people it serves.

We are delighted to share this thought-provoking guest post from Louisa Mitchell MBE, Chief Executive of AllChild.

Addressing market failure and profiteering in Children’s Social Care.

Explore how different types of evidence shape philanthropic decisions, from instinct to insight, ensuring impactful and informed giving.

Philanthropy must go beyond good intentions—rigorous evidence ensures resources create real, lasting impact. Learn how evidence-based giving maximises positive change.

 In our inaugural feature, Scott Greenhalgh explores the importance of “additionality” in impact investing—a concept central to ensuring that investments deliver measurable, positive change beyond what would have happened otherwise.