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.

Upcoming Dates:

• TBC

If you’re ready to turn your idea for a charity or social enterprise into reality, securing the right funding is one of the most important steps you’ll take. In this practical workshop, you’ll learn how to identify funders that align with your mission and how to craft clear, persuasive proposals that stand out.

You’ll explore the essentials of building a sustainable funding strategy — from researching grants and funding opportunities to structuring strong applications that communicate your vision and impact. We’ll cover how to create realistic budgets, avoid common pitfalls, and tailor your proposals to different funders’ priorities.

Why attend?
By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with:
– A customisable funding pipeline spreadsheet to help you track opportunities and deadlines
– A reusable grant application template you can adapt for future bids
– Budget dos and don’ts to keep your finances funder-friendly and transparent

This workshop is ideal for students who want to start or scale a charitable project, social enterprise, or community initiative. No prior fundraising experience is needed – just a great idea and the passion to make it happen.

What to expect:
A 60-90 minute session with opportunities to network. You’ll get a customisable funding pipeline spreadsheet to help you track opportunities and deadlines, a reusable grant application template you can adapt for future bids. Budget dos and don’ts to keep your finances funder-friendly and transparent

Upcoming Dates:

• TBC

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.