Overview

UNSW Centre for Social Impact was established in 2008 as a specialist research and education centre within UNSW Business School. It was created to strengthen the capacity of organisations and leaders to achieve positive social outcomes through evidence-based decision-making. The centre combines academic research with applied practice, positioning social impact as a core component of effective leadership and governance.Its overall philosophy emphasises rigorous research, collaboration across sectors, and practical application of social impact knowledge.

Mission and focus areas

UNSW Centre for Social Impact focuses on improving how social value is created, measured and managed across government, business, philanthropy and the not-for-profit sector. Its work centres on social impact measurement, evaluation, social investment, and purpose-led leadership.The centre contributes to sustainability and ESG practice by advancing frameworks that support outcomes-based decision-making, accountability, and long-term value creation. Its research often informs impact investing, social finance, and policy design, aligning social outcomes with financial and governance considerations.

Structure and governance

UNSW Centre for Social Impact operates as a dedicated centre within UNSW Business School. It is led by an Executive Director and senior academic staff, supported by researchers, educators and professional staff.The centre works closely with industry, government and civil society partners, and engages advisory input through collaborative research and program design. While institutionally housed within UNSW, it maintains a distinct operational identity through its leadership, partnerships and outputs.

Programs and offerings

UNSW Centre for Social Impact produces independent research, policy-relevant reports and practical tools focused on social impact and investment. It delivers executive education, short courses and leadership programs designed for practitioners working in social finance, ESG and impact roles.The centre also convenes events, forums and cross-sector collaborations to support knowledge exchange. Its combination of academic rigour and applied learning makes its outputs particularly relevant for finance professionals and sustainability practitioners seeking credible approaches to measuring and managing social outcomes.

Our mission

We develop people and partnerships that accelerate social innovations for a more sustainable and inclusive economy. We do this through engaged scholarship.
Social innovation is concerned with developing and deploying effective solutions to challenging and often systemic social and environmental issues in support of social impact and progress.

A more sustainable economy places humanity within a prosperous economy and thriving planet for now and future generations.

A more inclusive economy overcomes unjust social, cultural, and institutional arrangements and identifies pathways that encourage thriving and wellbeing for all.

Engaged scholarship involves a collaborative, reciprocal relationship between academics and partners, such as communities, organisations, or governments. It is an approach that works with not on partners, providing immediate practical solutions or advice as well as broadening the scope of public knowledge.