Impact 101 Workshops

Got a passion for making the world a better place, but not sure how to turn it into a concrete idea? Join the Social Impact Lab for an interactive ideation workshop, designed to help you shape bold, creative solutions for social change.

Why attend?

In this session, you’ll discover practical hints and tips on how to generate impactful ideas, explore the social and environmental issues you care about most, and learn how to frame your vision in a way that could form a winning entry for the 100 Big Ideas competition.

Whether you arrive with a challenge already in mind or just an interest in driving positive change, this workshop will give you the tools and confidence to spark fresh ideas, connect them to real-world problems, and take your first step towards making a meaningful impact.

After the session, stick around for networking, catering, and continued discussion with fellow changemakers. It’s a great chance to exchange ideas, meet potential collaborators, and become part of a growing community of students passionate about social impact.

What to expect

A 90 minute interactive workshop. You’ll get pre-reading on Problem Framing and Systems Thinking, a template Fishbone Diagram and 5 Why’s worksheet

• • Tuesday 28th October, 15:30 – BOOK

Have you ever wondered how to clearly connect your big ideas to the real-world change you want to create? In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to use Theory of Change (ToC) modelling to map out the pathway from your activities and outputs to meaningful, measurable outcomes.

Whether you’re developing a community project, designing a research initiative, or planning a social enterprise, this session will help you clarify why and how your work can make a difference. You’ll explore the key components of a Theory of Change—such as assumptions, inputs, outputs, outcomes, and impact—and learn practical techniques to visualize these relationships in a logical, evidence-based way.

Why attend?

Through guided exercises and real-world examples, you’ll:

– Define the long-term change you aim to achieve and identify the steps required to get there.
– Understand how to test your assumptions and strengthen your project logic.
– Learn how to communicate your impact story effectively to funders, partners, and stakeholders.
– Develop a draft Theory of Change model for your own project or idea.

By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with a clear framework for planning, evaluating, and communicating impact—and the confidence to turn your vision into actionable strategy.

No prior experience with Theory of Change is required. Bring your ideas, enthusiasm, and curiosity!

What to expect

A 60-90 minute session with opportunities to network. You’ll get pre-reading on theory of change logic model, a one page template canvas to link your activities and outputs to long term impact

Upcoming Dates:

• TBC

Work with the people you aim to help – design solutions together and build lasting support.

Want your ideas to make a real difference? In this hands-on workshop, you’ll dive into the power of community co-design—a creative, collaborative way to build solutions with the people you want to support. Instead of guessing what communities need, you’ll learn how to work alongside them to shape projects that are relevant, inclusive, and built to last.

Why attend?

Through fun activities, real-world examples, and plenty of teamwork, you’ll discover how to:
– Connect with communities and turn conversations into action
– Co-create ideas that reflect lived experiences and local knowledge
– Use design thinking tools to bring people together around shared goals
– Build trust, partnerships, and long-term impact

Whether you’re starting a social enterprise, developing a campus project, or just curious about how design can drive social change, this session will give you fresh inspiration and practical tools to get started.
Come ready to collaborate, create, and challenge how change happens.

What to expect

A 60-90 minute session with opportunities to network. You’ll get pre-reading on Co-design and Design Thinking techniques, a stakeholder mapping exercise, facilitation agenda for a codesign workshop, and a draft charter for a community advisory board.

You’ve got an idea that could make a real difference – in your community, on campus, or beyond.
But when it comes to finding money to get started, things suddenly feel confusing, intimidating, or out of reach.

Where do you even begin?
Who actually funds student-led projects?
And what does a “good” grant application really look like?

This interactive workshop is designed to answer those questions and give you the confidence and tools to take your first real steps into funding.

Who is this workshop for?

This session is for students who are:

• Thinking about starting a charity, community initiative or social enterprise
• Already running a project but unsure how to fund it
• Curious about grants, but overwhelmed by the process
• Involved in a student society or community group with a social purpose
• Interested in social impact, but new to fundraising

You do not need:

• A registered charity
• Previous fundraising experience
• A fully formed business plan

Just an idea, a cause you care about, and a willingness to learn.

What this workshop will help you do

Funding can feel mysterious – like there’s a secret language only professionals understand.
This workshop breaks it down in a clear, honest and practical way, with a focus on early-stage, student-friendly funding.

You’ll learn:

• What types of funding actually exist for charities, community projects and social enterprises in the UK
• How to tell whether your idea is ready for grant funding (and what to do if it’s not yet)
• What funders are really looking for when they read applications
• How a typical grant application is structured – and how to approach it with confidence
• How to write clearly and persuasively without jargon or “buzzwords”
• How to create a simple, realistic project budget
• Where to find relevant funding opportunities – and how to assess whether they’re a good fit

Along the way, we’ll also talk honestly about rejection, ethics, and the realities of fundraising – so you leave with realistic expectations, not false promises.

What makes this session different?

This isn’t about writing “perfect” bids or chasing huge amounts of money.

Instead, the focus is on:

• Small, realistic first grants
• UK-based funders and opportunities
• Practical skills you can use immediately
• Confidence, clarity and next steps

You’ll work with real examples, take part in short activities, and have space to ask questions – so funding feels doable, not daunting.

What you’ll leave with

By the end of the session, you’ll have:

• A clear understanding of how funding works in the UK social impact space
• Greater confidence in your ability to apply for grants
• A draft piece of grant content (such as a project summary or statement of need)
• A clearer sense of whether your project is fundable right now
• Practical next steps you can act on straight away

Even if you don’t apply for funding immediately, you’ll understand how to prepare yourself to do so successfully.

Why funding skills matter

Knowing how to:

• Communicate impact
• Build a clear case for support
• Budget responsibly
• Navigate external stakeholders

…are valuable skills for careers in:

• Charities and NGOs
• Social enterprises and start-ups
• Public sector and policy
• Community organising
• Consultancy and project management

This workshop supports not just your idea – but your future employability and leadership skills.

If you want your social enterprise, campaign, or community project to create real, lasting change, you need to understand – and prove – the difference you’re making. This hands-on workshop will guide you through the essentials of impact measurement, helping you go beyond good intentions to demonstrate meaningful results.

You’ll learn how to define clear goals and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that align with your mission, explore practical methods for collecting and analyzing data, and discover how to communicate your impact with transparency and credibility. Through case studies, interactive exercises, and peer discussions, you’ll build the skills to design an impact framework that works – whether you’re applying for funding, reporting to partners, or engaging your community.

Why attend?
By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with a practical toolkit for tracking your outcomes, evaluating your effectiveness, and telling a compelling story about your impact.

Who it’s for

Students interested in starting or growing a social enterprise, charity, campaign, or community project focused on social or environmental change.

You’ll gain:

– A clear understanding of what impact measurement is — and why it matters
– Tools to identify and track KPIs that align with your mission
– Tips for collecting reliable qualitative and quantitative data
– Strategies for transparent and engaging impact reporting

What to expect:
A 60-90 minute interactive session with opportunities to network. You’ll get pre-reading on Impact Measurement and come away with tools and strategies to create engaging reports that showcase your impact.

Upcoming Dates:

• TBC

Starting a charity or social enterprise is exciting – but turning a great idea into a lasting, impactful organisation takes more than passion. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll explore how to design a business model that keeps your mission at the heart of everything you do, while ensuring long-term financial sustainability.

You’ll learn how to choose the most suitable legal structure for your initiative, weighing up the pros and cons of different options such as charities, CICs, and social enterprises. Through guided exercises, you’ll map out a draft revenue mosaic that combines diverse income streams – from trading, grants, and services – to create a resilient funding base.

The session also helps you develop “mission lock” wording to safeguard your social purpose as your organisation grows or takes on new partners. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to balance impact and income, and a practical framework to build a business model that lasts.

Why attend?
You’ll leave with:
– A chosen legal form and clear understanding of its implications
– A first draft of your own sustainable revenue model
– Sample mission lock clauses and guidance on how to protect your purpose

This workshop is part of the Social Impact Startup Series, designed to support students who want to launch charities, social enterprises, or purpose-driven ventures that make real change in their communities and beyond.

What to expect:
A 60-90 minute interactive session with opportunities to network. You’ll get pre-reading on legal structures and what they mean and leave with a clear direction that will suit your initiative.

Upcoming Dates:

• TBC

Exploring Global Challenges and Local Solutions for a Sustainable Future

Join us for an engaging and interactive workshop introducing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — a universal blueprint for ending poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring prosperity for all by 2030. This session is designed especially for students who are passionate about social change, environmental action, and community innovation.

What You’ll Learn

In this workshop, we’ll unpack what the 17 SDGs are, why they matter, and how they connect to the most pressing social and environmental issues of our time — from climate change and inequality to clean energy and sustainable cities. You’ll gain a clear understanding of the global framework guiding international development, and explore how countries, organizations, and communities are working towards these ambitious targets.

Why the SDGs Matter

The SDGs are more than a set of global goals — they’re a call to action. They represent a shared vision for a fairer, greener, and more inclusive world. By understanding how these goals intersect with issues like social justice, environmental resilience, and ethical innovation, students will see how their own projects and ideas can contribute to real-world change.
Current Progress and Challenges

We’ll look at current global progress toward achieving the SDGs, drawing on the latest UN reports and case studies. You’ll learn where significant strides have been made — such as advances in renewable energy and gender equality — and where urgent gaps remain, including climate action and reducing inequalities. This honest look at progress will inspire participants to think critically about how local initiatives can accelerate global solutions.

Apply the SDGs to Your Own Projects

Whether you’re developing a social enterprise, charity, or community-based initiative, this workshop will help you connect your work to the wider global agenda. Through discussion and interactive exercises, you’ll map your project ideas to relevant SDGs and discover tools to measure impact, attract support, and communicate purpose effectively.

What to expect

A 60-90 minute session with opportunities to network.

Who Should Attend

Students exploring social entrepreneurship or sustainability-focused careers
Founders or members of student-led charities, nonprofits, or community initiatives
Anyone interested in understanding global challenges and becoming part of the solution

Takeaways

A clear understanding of the UN SDGs and their global relevance
Insight into current progress and areas of opportunity
Practical ways to align your project or initiative with specific goals
Inspiration and resources to take meaningful action locally and globally

Exploring the impact of carbon emissions and climate change and what we can do to make a difference

Are you curious about the impact of your everyday choices on the planet? Join us for an engaging and interactive workshop that dives into the critical issues of carbon emissions and climate change. Designed for university students with a passion for social and environmental issues, this session will explore how our lifestyles contribute to global environmental challenges and what actionable steps we can take to make a positive difference.

Why attend?

Through discussions, hands-on activities, and real-life examples, you’ll gain insight into the science behind climate change, understand the sources and consequences of carbon emissions, and evaluate the sustainability of your own habits. By the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with practical strategies to reduce your carbon footprint and become a more informed advocate for sustainable living.

Whether you’re just beginning to explore environmental topics or looking to deepen your knowledge, this workshop offers a space to learn, reflect, and connect with like-minded peers who are committed to making a difference. Together, we can uncover how even small changes in daily life can contribute to a healthier, more sustainable planet.

What to expect

A 60-90 minute session with opportunities to network. You’ll use an online tool to explore your own carbon footprint and plot a route to a more sustainable lifestyle.