Esther McConnell

The Pro Bono Sector Impact Toolkit was developed by the National Pro Bono Centre (NPBC), a charity “dedicated to supporting individuals and organisations providing pro bono legal assistance in England and Wales”, with support from the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO).

The toolkit is designed to help organisations in the pro bono sector:

• understand and explain how their work achieves wider change;
• improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their work;
• demonstrate the value for money their work achieves and
• make compelling arguments for funding to continue and expand their work

It includes resources aimed at all kinds of different organisations and projects, whether directly supporting individual or organisational clients, working with law firms and volunteer lawyers, or seeking to influence policy through research or strategic litigation.

An online launch event on Thursday 25 June, 12.30pm-1.30pm, will provide an overview of the toolkit, including how organisations can access it and begin integrating it into their work. It will also outline opportunities to apply for a place on a co-funded course designed to guide small groups through the full impact measurement process.

The toolkit has been piloted by LawWorks, a pro bono charity for solicitors in England and Wales, and University House, which has provided free legal advice in London since the 1800s, both of whom will share insights at the launch event.

Esther McConnell, CEO, National Pro Bono Centre, said: “We know the legal and advice sector is delivering meaningful work and making a difference every day. We hope these resources and tools support and inspire organisations in the monitoring and evaluation of this work, helping them learn about what they deliver, increase impact, and build relationships with stakeholders.

“On behalf of both NPBC and NCVO, I would like to thank all the individuals and organisations who gave their time, skills and ideas to make the project such a productive and collaborative effort, especially our pilot organisations LawWorks and University House.”

Hayley Nock, head of strategic development, LawWorks, said: “Developing a clearer approach to impact measurement has helped us articulate our value, strengthen our learning, and ensure we are focusing our efforts where they have the greatest effect.”

Eddie Coppinger, director, University House, said: “The toolkit is an impressive body of work. We used it to demonstrate how a high-value project proposal could achieve substantive change.”