Examples of charity analysis

A responsive approach from an established charity: Edinburgh Cyrenians

• Read NPC's analysis of Edinburgh Cyrenians (approximately 20 pages of detailed analysis with a grading grid which rates different aspects of the charity)
• An update (developments in the charity since the long note was written)

In a nutshell
Edinburgh Cyrenians is one of Scotland’s leading homelessness charities. Its well-designed services focus on where there are gaps in provision: opening up the private rental sector; training and employment opportunities; and support for drug users. The charity develops innovative solutions to problems, proves their success and uses lessons to help other organisations and inform policy.

Charities often struggle to remain responsive and strategic in their approach, a particular danger for well-established charities. They can lose touch with current needs, remain wedded to old interventions, and be out of touch with recent developments and good practice. Instead of addressing the problems of today, they are left tackling the issues of yesterday with out-of-date approaches.

Edinburgh Cyrenians is a good example of a charity that, despite its heritage and experience, has maintained a strategic, flexible and innovative approach to supporting homeless people. To do this, the charity keeps a clear picture of what these people’s main problems are, by surveying its clients; carrying out research into emerging issues (such as vulnerable young people and alcohol use; and financial exclusion); and drawing heavily on third-party research. On top of this, it has a clear view of gaps in current provision—both through its work with government and also from its partnerships with charities, businesses, social researchers and community groups.

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