How Social Impact Leaders Can Engage with Government
A networking evening at NSW Parliament House explored how evidence, timing and relationships help shape policy conversations.
Published on the 25 May 2026
CSI UNSW’s Social Impact Exchange brought its community together inside NSW Parliament House for an evening of conversation and practical insight into how social impact leaders can engage with government.
Providing a unique opportunity to hear from both upper and lower house state government representatives, the event featured a panel discussion with The Hon. Dr Sarah Kaine MLC, Member of the NSW Legislative Council and Chair of the Standing Committee on Social Issues, and Mr Clayton Barr MP, Member for Cessnock and Temporary Speaker.
Facilitated by Professor Danielle Logue, Director of CSI UNSW, the evening offered an opportunity to reflect on how social impact leaders can communicate evidence and build the relationships needed to support change.
“It was a privilege to bring our Social Impact Exchange community together inside NSW Parliament House, a place where policy decisions are shaped, debated and made,” Professor Logue said.
“The evening gave our students, alumni, partners and broader community a valuable opportunity to consider how social change happens through government, and what social impact leaders need to understand if they want to make a difference.”
Social enterprises engaging with government
For social enterprises and impact-led organisations, effective government engagement begins before a meeting is requested.
“Engagement starts with clarity about the problem, the evidence and the outcomes they are seeking,” Professor Logue said.
“Influencing change can also come down to timing and understanding when an issue becomes visible, when decision-makers are looking for solutions and how an organisation’s work connects to public priorities and community needs.”
Social Impact measurement
Social impact measurement also plays an important role in helping organisations move from good intentions to a clear case for action.
“Evidence can show decision-makers what is working, where gaps remain and how programs or initiatives may contribute to better outcomes,” Professor Logue said.
“It can also help organisations communicate the scale of an issue and the value of their work. When approaching complex challenges, the ability to translate research, lived experience and practical outcomes into clear messaging is an important part of influencing change.”
Careers in Social Impact
The evening highlighted the increasing demand for leadership skills across sectors as communities face increasingly complex social, economic and environmental change.
For students and emerging leaders, the evening reinforced that social impact is not a single career path but can be applied across government, business and community organisations.
“Social impact is not limited to one sector or one career pathway,” Professor Logue said.
“It is shaped by people who can work across systems, understand community needs and build relationships across local, state and national contexts.”
Close me
The Hon. Dr Sarah Kaine MLC, speaking at CSI UNSW’s Social Impact Exchange event on how social impact leaders can engage with government.
Mr Clayton Barr MP shares insights at NSW Parliament House on how social enterprises can collaborate with government to support community change.
Attendees networking at CSI UNSW’s Social Impact Exchange event at NSW Parliament House.
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