A POLICYWISE WEBSITE CONCEPTThe Design Factory proposal
PolicyWise for Children & FamiliesWork with us

OUR APPROACH

RESEARCH / DATA / EVALUATION

Clarity begins
with a good question.

You bring the context.
We bring research expertise.
The understanding grows together.

PolicyWise works with social sector organizations, government, and researchers to turn complex questions into useful evidence for policy and practice.

Hands working together over research notes and materials
LISTEN CLOSELY.LOOK BEYOND THE OBVIOUS.MAKE THE LEARNING USEFUL.

01 / OUR EXPERTISE

Different questions.
The right support.

Explore the expertise that fits the decision you are working toward.

Explore our services
01

Research & evaluation

What is happening, and what can we learn from it?

Explore an issue or understand how a policy or program is working. Research is shaped around your context and the decisions ahead.

Evidence & literature reviewsEnvironmental scansEvaluation design

WHAT THIS CAN MAKE POSSIBLE

A clearer account of what the evidence says, where questions remain, and what that means for your work.

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A roadmap shaped by community

Three years of engagement informed a data roadmap for youth homelessness prevention, with reading tailored to different audiences.

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02

Data analytics

What could your information help you understand?

Examine how information is gathered and used. Connect data practices with the questions your organization needs to answer.

Analysis & interpretationData managementIntegration & linkage

WHAT THIS CAN MAKE POSSIBLE

Information that is easier to understand, manage, and use in planning and service delivery.

SEE THE EXPERTISE IN PRACTICE

Connecting services, responsibly

A Calgary pilot examined referrals, consent, and information practices with Trellis Society and The Alex.

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03

Capacity building

What would help your team work confidently with evidence?

Build skills through practical learning, coaching, and implementation support shaped around your team.

Tailored trainingWorkshops & coachingImplementation support

WHAT THIS CAN MAKE POSSIBLE

More confidence asking questions, making sense of findings, and applying learning in everyday work.

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Learning built for the workplace

Building Inclusive Workplaces offers five learning modules and practical tools for food and beverage leaders supporting newcomer young adults.

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04

Frameworks & strategy

How do you turn understanding into a way forward?

Bring your organization’s knowledge together with an outside perspective to guide planning, governance, or implementation.

Strategic frameworksGovernance approachesEvaluation planning

WHAT THIS CAN MAKE POSSIBLE

A shared structure for making decisions and moving from an idea to practical action.

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Preparing for change

An organizational resilience assessment helps non-profit leaders reflect on readiness across six areas, from shared purpose to resources.

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05

Consulting & speaking

What evidence belongs in the conversation?

Connect with research expertise for advisory work, conferences, and discussions about services for children, youth, and families.

Specialist advicePresentationsPolicy discussions

WHAT THIS CAN MAKE POSSIBLE

Research-informed perspectives that help people examine an issue and consider the possibilities.

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Evidence around the table

The 2023 Action through Connection event brought community leaders together to inform policy priorities for women’s employment and entrepreneurship.

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02 / HOW THE WORK TAKES SHAPE

FROM UNDERSTANDING TO USE

The method matters.
So does the relationship.

01

Start with context.

Define the issue, the people affected, and the decision the work needs to inform.

02

Build understanding.

Connect research, data, and different perspectives. Examine patterns and make the limits of the evidence clear.

03

Make it useful.

Share the learning in a form that supports the next decision, conversation, or step.

IN PRACTICE / ORGANIZATIONAL RESILIENCE

Strong enough
to adapt.

How can a non-profit prepare for change? PolicyWise’s assessment tool and reflective guide help leadership teams consider resilience across six connected areas.

Explore the resilience approach
SIX AREAS FOR REFLECTION
  1. 01

    Mission, vision & values

  2. 02

    Awareness of changing conditions

  3. 03

    Planning & adaptability

  4. 04

    Shared leadership

  5. 05

    Collaborative networks

  6. 06

    Resources & support

The reflective guide is provided after completing an assessment with PolicyWise.

CONSULTING & INDEPENDENT RESEARCH

Two ways of working.
One shared purpose.

Alongside its consulting services, PolicyWise leads independent research into the systems supporting young people. Both connect evidence with opportunities for better policy and practice.

See the work
Layers of teal and blue material over research papers

Service presentation informed by PolicyWise’s published services.