This report by Social Ventures Australia examines how to achieve impact at scale in the Australian social sector through sustainable expansion of products, services or practices, and embedding change in systems, society and culture. The report proposes various pathways, design principles and roles necessary to achieve impact at scale. It also highlights key considerations for defining an impact at scale goal or strategy, including a need to anchor the work in the voice and agency of lived experience, designing and planning for equity at scale, and learning from and sharing failures to accelerate collective efforts.

Introduction and aims for this work

This report explores the concept of impact at scale in the Australian social sector, identifies key features of impact at scale, and showcases Australian case studies highlighting efforts to achieve impact at scale. The report also aims to bring together a uniquely Australian set of perspectives on the topic that is missing in current literature.

What is impact at scale?

Impact at scale is lasting change in people’s lives and society seen through expanded reach of sustainable products, services or practices, embedded change in systems or shifts in society and culture. This report proposes several pathways to work towards impact at scale, such as harnessing collective effort, establishing new institutions, and creating feedback loops. To create impact at scale, the report suggests adopting design principles such as considering people and place, learning from and being led by First Nations’ perspectives, and seeking equity at scale.

Available pathways to work towards impact at scale

The report suggests various pathways to achieve impact at scale, such as improving regulation and standards, using data for transparency and insight, and mobilising a shared voice. Other pathways include establishing new institutions, harnessing collective effort, and using data for transparency and insight. To improve efficacy in achieving impact at scale, the creation of feedback loops and altering or reallocating funding are also recommended.

Key considerations for defining an impact at scale goal or strategy

The report highlights considerations for defining an impact at scale goal or strategy. These include designing and planning for equity at scale, anchoring the work in lived experience, considering people and place, learning from and sharing failures, and being comfortable with failing forward. Other important considerations include seeking intergenerational impacts, centring on the voice and agency of lived experience, and drawing on available evidence. The report suggests using design principles and roles for impact at scale and the Routes to Scale framework to engage effectively in impact at scale efforts.