Project Overview
In this project, we support the Welfare Cluster of the City of Sint‑Niklaas in building expertise on impact‑driven practice and social impact evaluation. We adopt a theory‑driven approach, meaning we look beyond data on outputs and outcomes. We also identify and articulate the underlying programme theory—how and why an intervention is expected to lead to specific outcomes—and test this theory against real‑world practice.
This approach ensures that we pay sufficient attention to relevant contextual factors and the perspectives of diverse stakeholders, all of which influence the effectiveness of social interventions.
Approach
Drawing on the tradition of realist evaluation, we collaborate with social professionals to:
- Make explicit their action model (what they do)
- Formulate their theory of change (why A is expected to lead to B)
- Identify critical conditions (contextual factors that enable or hinder success)
- Collect data—both indicators and lived experiences—to test these assumptions in practice
This method strengthens reflective practice, organisational learning, and evidence‑informed decision‑making.
Our Services
Our support consists of three main components:
1. Training and Capacity‑Building
We provide training and tailored support to a diverse group of coordinators and professionals within the Welfare Cluster who want to integrate impact‑driven working into their practice.
2. In‑Depth Case Study
We conduct a comprehensive case study in collaboration with City of Sint‑Niklaas staff.
This serves two purposes:
- building internal capacity within the city
- supplying concrete material and insights for the training programme
3. Advisory Services on Impact‑Oriented Financing
We formulate advice on Social Impact Bonds and other forms of financing that are explicitly oriented towards social impact.
Expected Outcomes
Based on our experiences throughout the project, we aim to:
- refine our training offer for local governments
- provide inspiration and practical guidance for other departments within Sint‑Niklaas
- generate insights that may support cities and public organisations beyond Sint‑Niklaas
Ultimately, this project contributes to more effective, reflective, and impact‑driven social practices within local government.