The Lasting Difference is a unique guide
to sustaining organisations and their impact.

You can download it here, completely free of charge.

The Lasting Difference has been used by over 6000 voluntary organisations, social enterprises, funders, commissioners and policy makers all around the world since 2016.

  • Clear: easy to understand and use
  • Relevant: grounded in practice, with unique definitions, self-assessment, action plans, exit strategies and straightforward practices
  • Powerful: transforming the way people think about – and run – their organisations.

New to sustainability?.. Start here

‘The Lasting Difference’

Graeme Reekie, author of the Lasting Difference resource, explains where the ideas and toolkit originated, and some of the principles that underpin it.

The paradox of change

Sustainability isn’t easy. The challenges are complex and often paradoxical – more of one thing often means less of something else. First up, the paradox of change: only by changing can we stay the same.

The octopus paradox

If sustainability requires us to change and develop, can we do this without getting pulled out of shape? There are good reasons many organisations are octopus-shaped, as Graeme explains in this short clip.

The yes/no paradox

We often say ‘yes’ to things because we think they will help us survive. Yet most organisations have sustainability challenges because of saying yes, not in spite of it.

The efficiency paradox

To be sustainable, organisations must be efficient. But if they are too efficient, they won’t have the spare capacity, resources or headspace to be sustainable.

‘Making a Lasting Difference’ book launch

A short film from 2019’s book launch. If you want to feel like you were there, grab some popping candy or listen out for the sound effects, and get your copy of the book here.

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