Introduction to Social Investment

Build an understanding of the key concepts of social investment and what this means for the advice you provide to senior decision makers

Description

This course provides a brief history of social investment and key concepts. It then introduces case studies and critiques, and suggests concrete next steps for Ministers, agencies and advisors. 

Course format

The course is delivered through three two-hour sessions, with additional material for learners to complete between sessions.

What you will learn

On completing this course, participants will:

  • understand what social investment is – its history, key concepts and the consequences of the status quo
  • understand what components of social investment currently exist
  • learn how to start applying a social investment approach to their advice.

What is covered in the course

Session one

  • The history of social investment.
  • Key concepts:
    1. The great paradox
    2. Need is nuanced (the Mason Curve)
    3. Government focuses on services (not people)
    4. Learning to do better. 
  • The consequences of the status quo.

Session two 

  • Case studies. 
    1. Social welfare
    2. Education
    3. Health.
  • Key critiques. 

Session three

  • What is needed  tools, technologies and behaviours.
  • Next steps for Ministers, agencies and advisors. 

Who should attend

This course is for advisors who want to take a social investment approach to providing advice.  It is best suited to those who have a working understanding of government decision-making processes.

Testimonial 1

"This course provides a useful and pragmatic overview of social investment and its key components. I found the course delivery to be easy to follow and having examples from different agencies who have applied a social investment approach in their work made it relatable to our own context. I also appreciated the time between training sessions as it gave my team space to reflect and discuss the concepts covered during the course"

Principal Policy Analyst | Ministry of Health

Testimonial 2

"The course was really helpful for learning key concepts that are important to my work in a well thought and sensible format"

- Advisor | Ministry of Health

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