How good data and evidence can support systems change

The ways in which good data and evidence supports systems change is something I have been trying to pin down during my first weeks at the Centre for Homelessness Impact as Head of Implementation. Systems change work has been my bread and butter for a number of years and it’s fair to say that the use of quality data is often limited in the approaches taken. 

The Centre’s Data Frameworks bring tried and tested data infrastructure to this work. The Frameworks are well used, newly adopted, or in development across all four nations in the UK. A wider set of Evidence Coaching tools sit alongside this, providing a range of ways to move from what-we-know to how-we-do-it. 

My thoughts so far on how data- led frameworks, when placed at the heart of homelessness strategies, can facilitate systems change. 

• Systems change requires system leadership 

Nothing galvanises joint leadership like a shared mission. The Framework requires a clear goal and then moves immediately to requiring a definition of this in practical terms. Co-producing the mission and definition enables system leaders to generate motivation and ambition and bring people along on the journey.

• Systems change requires joint accountability 

Buy-in to a mission and definition is one thing, but developing a culture of system wide accountability is another. The Framework helps you to identify the data required to indicate progress, and then routinely produce and review that as a collective. The process is one of joint scrutiny which is an extremely productive tool for building shared accountability. 

• Systems change requires innovation 

No systems change stories are ever straightforward. Those that I have been involved with have always required ongoing learning enquiry throughout. The Framework data helps you identify both what you do know and what you don’t - with the latter being just as, if not more, important. Testing and learning as you go, innovating, is at the heart of systems change work and having the capability to generate, analyse and test data is an invaluable tool in the process.  

We are gathering local and national government representatives from across the four UK nations in Manchester, all of whom are using data-led frameworks in their work to end homelessness. I am excited to see the real life examples of how the Frameworks are enabling them to drive systems change, in a complex and challenging environment. Look out for the write up! 

If you want to have a conversation, get in contact and see how we can help you move further, faster through an evidence-minded approach to ending homelessness. 

• Molly Bishop is Head of Implementation at the Centre for Homelessness Impact