Latitude Network

We recently came across an insightful article that aligns perfectly with our mission of building a data empowered social sector. The piece highlights a critical challenge in data governance - the gap between policy and practice. While many organisations have data policies in place, implementation often falls short due to resource constraints, technical limitations or lack of political will. As data gurus working with social service providers, we've observed this firsthand. That's why we focus not just on creating policies, but on practical implementation strategies that drive real impact. Key takeaways from the article: Good policies alone aren't enough - implementation is crucial Incentives play a vital role in driving effective data governance Addressing resource and capacity constraints is essential Read full article here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gdQtak6A What challenges have you faced in implementing data governance policies? How have you overcome them? We'd love to hear from you. #DataForGood #SocialImpact #DataGovernance #NonprofitTech

An innovative data collaboration is producing new whole system insights for Adult and Community Education providers in NSW, built by Latitude Network https://wix.to/Tpr7I6k #newblogpost #socialimpact #data

Exciting news from the recent Social Outcomes Conference in the UK 📣 Dr. Eleanor Carter delivered a powerful keynote on the "Results Revolution" at #SOC24 hosted by Government Outcomes Lab, University of Oxford, highlighting how outcomes based approaches are transforming public services globally. Key takeaways: • Outcomes based models have spread to 37 countries • $30 billion in social outcomes contracts launched since 2010 • Evidence shows improved service quality and innovation Dr. Carter emphasised the need for better data infrastructure and knowledge sharing to drive continued progress. We couldn't agree more! How is your organisation embracing outcomes focused approaches? Let's continue this important conversation. Check out highlights from Dr Carter's presentation here: https://lnkd.in/ggr2E6vZ #SocialImpact #OutcomesFunding #PublicSectorInnovation

Mental health and wellbeing has become a crucial focus in the social services sector, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. While organisations provide vital support, understanding the true impact of these interventions requires accurate, comprehensive data. And you know how we love data at Latitude! We think effective measurement can ensure programs improve mental wellbeing and that resources are used efficiently and effectively. Measuring mental health and wellbeing, however, requires a nuanced approach, as it’s a multidimensional concept that includes mental health, social connections, access to services and overall quality of life. More organisations are developing metrics to assess these areas holistically. A recent case study, Co-creating community wellbeing initiatives: what is the evidence and how do they work?, examined how mental health focused initiatives thrive when they prioritise alignment, shared purpose, and transparent communication. The study showed that combining self reported and public data provides a fuller picture of wellbeing, reinforcing the importance of a comprehensive approach. 👉 Read full report here: https://lnkd.in/g8n8BiNA Technology is playing a pivotal role in this space, with advancements in data analytics, machine learning and AI enabling more precise predictions of mental health risks and targeted interventions. However, a major challenge remains the lack of standardised metrics. As highlighted in our recent post about article "Australia has a poverty problem – so why is there no agreed measure of it?", the absence of unified measures leads to inconsistencies in data collection and interpretation. This issue applies to mental health as well, where differing benchmarks can skew the understanding of program effectiveness. Efforts like those from the SIMNA Social Impact Measurement Network of Australia aim to address this by promoting consistent frameworks and standards. This kind of standardisation will improve cross sector comparisons and drive more effective mental health strategies. Ultimately, robust and standardised data collection tools are key to understanding better mental health outcomes across the sector. Let's continue the conversation on how we can improve measurement models to create a more mentally healthy aware society. We'd love to hear what's your thoughts on this. Leave a comment below.

Spring is the perfect time for a fresh start and that includes your data! 🌿 Our latest blog, "Data Spring Clean" shares practical tips on how to declutter and refresh your data systems, going from chaos to clarity. Clean data isn’t just about better reporting – it drives better decisions, improved outcomes and maximises impact. Whether you're managing duplicates or fixing inconsistencies, a data clean-up can transform how your organisation operates. Check out the article to learn how to get your data in shape this season! 👇 https://lnkd.in/gtQt_Rnp

The Guardian article "Australia has a poverty problem – so why is there no agreed measure of it?" written by Lenore Taylor highlights a critical issue in addressing poverty - the lack of a standardised national measurement. Experts argue that effectively tackling poverty and disadvantage requires a clear understanding of how many people are affected and to what extent. Without a consensus on the metrics, efforts to alleviate poverty remain fragmented and less effective. This lack of consistency is a significant challenge, as research, reports and strategies by governments and social services currently rely on different methods and benchmarks, leading to widely varying conclusions about the extent and severity of poverty. Such discrepancies hinder a clear understanding of the problem, making it difficult to design and implement effective solutions. Nuanced measurement is essential because poverty is multifaceted, encompassing more than just income - it involves access to essential services, education, healthcare and social inclusion. To create meaningful change, there must be collaboration on what needs to be measured and how to interpret these metrics. This discussion emphasises the broader importance of measuring impact accurately. By agreeing on and refining metrics, we can better target interventions and allocate resources, ultimately achieving greater social impact. Effective measurement is not just about numbers - it's about understanding the realities of those affected and driving strategies that make a tangible difference in their lives. Establishing a standardised measurement is crucial for accurately assessing poverty and ensuring that efforts to address it are both targeted and impactful. 👉 Read full article here: https://lnkd.in/g7Z-pxSh).

The Centre for Social Impact has recently released a thought provoking article on the evolving landscape of sustainability reporting. Here are our key takeaways from the report: ESG: The New Wave in Sustainability Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting is reshaping how companies approach financial disclosures, offering more transparent and standardised information for sustainable finance and impact investing. The 'S' Factor: A Growing Focus While environmental metrics often take center stage, the social dimension of ESG is gaining importance. It encompasses workplace standards, human rights and community wellbeing. Challenges and Opportunities Quantifying social outcomes remains complex, but companies that effectively address these factors can create significant positive impacts, from safe workplaces to improved human rights. Australia's Sustainability Push Mark your calendars! Australia is set to introduce mandatory sustainability reporting from January 2025, aligning with global trends. Rethinking Corporate Social Impact The Centre for Social Impact suggests a broader view of Corporate Social Impact that considers how all ESG dimensions shape societal outcomes, integrating social impact strategies into core business models. At Latitude Network, we're excited about these developments and their potential to drive positive change. How is your organisation adapting to the new wave of sustainability reporting? Read full article here: https://lnkd.in/gpSM-QF4 #ESG #CorporateSocialImpact #SustainabilityReporting #LatitudeNetwork

In case you missed our newsletter recently you can now view our latest blogs and news on our revamped website. We'd love your feedback. Check it out https://lnkd.in/gF4iK469

🌟 Here's our latest blog post! 🌟 Our director Dale Renner shares his thoughts and how six key factors can help social organisations become more insights-driven and maximise their impact. 👉 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/gWXxikeG #SocialImpact #DataDriven #Insights #LatitudeNetwork #Innovation #Collaboration #dataforgood

Data has often been used as a means of control for social organisations - it's time we used data for empowerment. Read the article on what you can do to make that happen. https://wix.to/cDUfR4Y