Why all the fuss about Theories of Change?

If you’ve worked in health or social impact for a while, chances are you’ve heard someone mention a theory of change. Maybe it came up in a funding application or a planning meeting or during an evaluation. You might have nodded along wondering what exactly it is and why everyone seems to think it matters.

So what’s all the fuss about? And more importantly—should you be using one?

A Simple Way to Describe Complex Work

At its core, a theory of change is a clear and thoughtful way of describing how and why a program or organisation creates change. It helps teams explain their impact in plain language. Not just what they’re doing—but why it matters, what outcomes they’re aiming for and what conditions need to be in place for it to succeed.

This is especially useful in health and social sectors, where the work is often complex and multi-layered. We’re rarely dealing with simple cause and effect. We’re working with people, systems and communities that are constantly changing. A theory of change gives us a way to navigate this complexity with clarity and intention.

More Than a Plan—A Learning Tool

Using a theory of change isn’t about locking in a rigid plan. It’s about creating a shared understanding of what success looks like and how we believe we’ll get there. It helps organisations reflect on their assumptions test their ideas and stay aligned as things evolve.

Done well, it becomes a learning tool. It invites teams to ask honest questions—What are we really trying to shift? What needs to change in the environment or the system to make that happen? Who needs to be involved? What role do we play?

This kind of reflective thinking is essential for good strategy and meaningful evaluation. It also helps organisations adapt in real time when challenges arise or new opportunities emerge.

Speaking the Same Language

Another reason theories of change are gaining attention is because they help different people—funders practitioners community leaders policymakers—get on the same page. They offer a common language to talk about impact without drowning in detail or data.

This is particularly important when working in partnerships or coalitions where alignment can make or break a project. A shared theory of change can act as a central tool helping everyone stay focused on the bigger picture.

So Why Bother?

If you’re running a health or social program you already have a theory of change—even if it’s not written down. It’s the set of ideas behind your work. It’s what you believe will happen when you do what you do. Making that thinking visible can strengthen your strategy your communication and your impact.

You don’t need to be an academic to use a theory of change - just need to be willing to think critically listen deeply and work collaboratively.

So yes there’s a bit of fuss around theories of change. But it’s not without reason. In a sector where clarity purpose and accountability matter more than ever a well-considered theory of change can be one of your most valuable tools.

We run a lovely user friendly course that includes Theories of Change - enquire here and we’ll send you some details.