A vital resource for charities striving to make data-driven decisions
In today's data-driven world, charities recognise the importance of using data to guide their decisions and demonstrate their impact.
However, many lack the resources to access the expertise needed to make sense of this data. Enter Statisticians for Society - a pro bono initiative that connects professional statisticians with charitable organisations, providing vital support at no cost.
What is Statisticians for Society?
Statisticians for Society began as a pilot project in 2017 and has since become an essential resource for charities across the UK. Supported by The National Lottery Community Fund, the scheme links volunteer statisticians with organisations in need of statistical expertise, enabling them to make informed decisions and better serve their communities. To date, over 160 organisations have benefited from this support, helping them achieve their charitable aims.
How statisticians support the third sector
Statisticians are experts in collecting, analysing and interpreting data. Their skills are crucial for charities that want to use data effectively but may not have the in-house capability to do so. Here’s how statisticians can help:
- Data collection and analysis
Statisticians ensure that data collected are reliable and useful. By designing effective surveys and studies, they help charities gather the right information to improve services and measure their impact for reporting. - Evidence-based decision making
With expert analysis, organisations can base their strategies on solid evidence rather than intuition. This leads to more effective programmes and better use of resources. - Demonstrating impact
One of the biggest challenges for charities is to demonstrate the impact of their work to funders, stakeholders, and the public. Statisticians can create clear and compelling reports that highlight achievements and areas for improvement, boosting credibility and support. - Service improvement
By analysing operational data, statisticians can identify areas where services can be enhanced, helping charities better meet the needs of those they serve.
Success stories
Several organisations have already reaped the benefits of Statisticians for Society. Home Start Aberdeen received help in analysing family support data, leading to more targeted interventions. Transform Justice benefited from statistical advice on its current data practices which informed its advocacy work. Meanwhile, Usher Kids UK, a charity supporting children with Usher syndrome, used statistical expertise to better understand the needs of the families it supports, leading to improved services.
Eligibility
To receive support from the scheme, organisations must be a registered charity, CIC, or community group. Additionally, they must be based in the UK and have an annual income of less than £1 million.
Get involved
Statisticians for Society is more than a pro bono service; it’s a vital resource for charities striving to make data-driven decisions. By connecting statisticians with third sector organisations, the scheme amplifies the impact of charitable work across the UK.
For charities, the process of joining Statisticians for Society is straightforward. By applying through the scheme’s website, organisations can outline their data needs and be matched with a volunteer statistician who offers tailored support.
