New book aims to make sector more data-savvy

A new, free resource gives practical examples and evidence for the social sector to make the most out of its data.

Effectively working with data is critical to the function of non-profits. Increasing donor numbers, collaborating with others, improving productivity, aiding reporting – in our technologically-reliant society, the list of benefits to using data is endless.

However, many in the sector struggle with limited resources, a constrained workforce and inherited old systems, which place limitations on the ability of non-profits to build their capacity for innovation and use data advantageously.

Addressing this issue is the aim of a new book, Data For Social Good, which provides practical examples and evidence on how non-profits, no matter its size, structure or mission, can make data useful.

“We believe that non-profits need to have data capability to shape the future of the sector and affect the difference non-profits can make in the world,” reads Data For Social Good’s opening pages.

“The sector can be knowledgeable, confident and advocate for suitable data practices, or—lacking capability—be forced to passively accept data practices determined by other powerful actors like government and ‘Big Tech’.”

Data For Social Good is a timely release given the latest spate of cybersecurity attacks and data breaches which targeted the non-profit sector, emphasising the importance of digital upskilling and resourcing.

According to the third annual Not-for-Profit CEO survey, sector leaders believe their staff need to be prepared for the impact of technology and the use of data, but their employees are concerned about not getting sufficient training in digital skills as well as their limited capacity to learn.

Just 56 per cent of non-profits surveyed in the 2022 Digital Technology in the Not-for-Profit Sector report believe their staff are confident using the technology and information systems required for their role.

“Non-profits generate a lot of data but innovating with technology is not a traditional competence, and it demands infrastructure investment and specialist workforce,” continues Data For Social Good’s introduction.

“More widely, collectively developing data capability at a sector level enables non-profits to influence government and funder priorities and investments around social challenges and data practices.”

Data For Social Good combines real-life case studies involving community organisations, non-profits and government agencies with hands-on advice and guidance.

The book has been designed for leaders and board members who are interested in becoming capable with data and how to get started, as well as for researchers partnering with the social sector on data projects for public good.

This audience is reflected in the experience and accreditation of the four authors who are researchers at Swinburne University of Technology’s Social Innovation Research Institute, which aims to solve complex social problems through technology.

They include director Jane Farmer, deputy director Anthony McCosker, digital inclusion program co-lead Katherine Albury and Social Data Analytics Lab head Amir Aryani.

“Certainly, in high-income countries, there is pressure on non-profits to operate like commercial businesses—prioritising efficiency and using data about their outputs and impacts to compete for funding,” reads Data For Social Good.

“However, beyond the immediate operational horizon, non-profits can use data analytics techniques to drive community social justice and potentially impact on the institutional capability of the whole social welfare sector.”

Data For Social Good is free to download online through publisher Palgrave Macmillan’s Open Access program.