Research & Publications
Every time we work with a client we learn more about their world, and recognise synergies, connections and opportunities across and between sectors and themes.
We believe that knowledge is more powerful if it is shared, and aim to make our research reports and findings public whenever we can (and with our clients’ permission, of course.)
See below for links to our latest research, opinions and articles. Please feel free to contact us if you’d like to discuss any of our publications.
Publications & Reports
The Ripple Effect: how essential digital skills create social value and improve lives
When working-age adults build essential digital skills, the benefits extend beyond the individual In first of its kind research for FutureDotNow, Sonnet explores how essential digital skills create social value and improve lives. When [...]
What a Social Tenancy Is Really Worth – And Why It Matters
We are pleased to announce that we have worked in partnership with The Hyde Group to deliver the latest iteration of their landmark social housing impact framework, the “Value of a Social Tenancy” (VoST) [...]
A Model for Lasting Change: The Grosvenor Hart Homes Pilot and Why It Matters
At Sonnet, we believe in impact that lasts – and in evidence that shows when change is really happening. That’s why we’re proud to share early findings from our ongoing evaluation of Grosvenor Hart [...]
The Aziz Foundation fosters the British Muslim leaders of the future
As the Aziz Foundation marks its 10-year anniversary, they have unveiled Sonnet’s independent evaluation and landmark report: “From Barriers to Bridges: A Decade of Impact”. The Aziz Foundation supports talented British Muslims striving to [...]
The value of volunteering at Citizens Advice is at least £100m
Citizens Advice in England helped over 2.5 million people last year Volunteers at Citizens Advice have huge opportunities for learning, training and, most importantly, to help their local community. As the UK’s largest advice [...]
‘Leading the Way’: The role and value of nurses in general practice in England (Phase Three)
The role of general practice nurses Many perceive that where general practitioners lead, general practice nurses follow. Our research proves that this is an outdated notion. Nurses are leading the way in programmes of [...]
Blog, News & Videos
So, What Is Impact Measurement—And Why Should You Care?
If you're working in a charity, social enterprise, or impact investment space, you've probably heard the term impact measurement thrown around a lot. But what does it actually mean—and where do you start if [...]
New recommendations on mental health support for children in care
In England, over 80,000 children are in care, a number that continues to grow. Many of them have experienced abuse and neglect, often linked to poverty, inequality, domestic violence, parental mental ill-health, and/or substance [...]
Webinar: How innovation funds can be a game-changing strategy
How can charities unlock real innovation and impact — while also building long-term sustainability? Join us for a live webinar in collaboration with Firetail, featuring Sonnet’s founder Jim Clifford OBE, and senior consultant, Kirsten [...]
Tim’s story – meeting learners’ needs in special education
Watch this short video that introduces Tim, one of eight learners with Special Educational Needs and Disibilities (SEND) whose stories are explored in our report Reaching my potential. You can use our report and [...]
Adapting to Thrive: Charities’ Innovative Responses to Crisis and Change
Back in May 2023, I wrote a piece about exploring options and alternatives to closure for organisations, drawing on examples of work we’ve done at Sonnet for the likes of TechNation and others. In [...]
Why do we keep designing systems that damage our communities and harm individuals?
Jim Clifford responds to the coroner’s findings about the death of Ruth Perry, which she linked to the Ofsted Inspection which contributed to it. He suggests that this is not [...]
