Inspired by our recent mini series of articles in Charity Finance, Rubies in the Dust and Rust Never Sleeps, Ian and Mary invited friends and colleagues to join a discussion and briefing on predictive analytics, also known as Dynamic Anomaly and Pattern Response (DAPR) within Civil Society. We were joined by experts and interested parties from a range of organisations; including education, membership, charities and commercial businesses, leading to a fascinating discussion and sharing of ideas. Ian Theodoreson, Chief Finance Officer to the National Church Institutions of the Church of England chaired the event most ably, kicking off with some thoughtful words and marshalling the discussion with ease.

Topics discussed included using predictive tools to improve efficiency within fundraising, using modelling to grow fundraising, some disparate ideas about the value of bought in lists, and how to scale the tools to different sizes of organisation. One organisation discussed how their modelling and analysis was now being used to challenge government policies, leading to a discussion of areas apart from fundraising where civil society can use these techniques. We closed the formal session with Z/Yen’s traditional Symposium Exam Question, answered with some evening drinks and further debate.

Special thanks are due to Ian Theodoreson, as well as all the attendees who contributed to such an enlightening and informative session – exceeding our predictions for success!

If you would like to find our more about Z/Yen’s work with Civil Society or with DAPR, please get in touch.