Social impact analysts, those tasked with measuring and reporting on the effectiveness of charity programmes, may soon have their own professional organisation designed to promote the profession and encourage better analysis.

The proposal to create an international association of social impact analysts was first floated at a New Philanthropy Capital conference last summer, and now, after consulting with the sector, NPC is looking for funding and founding members for the newly-christened Social Impact Analysts Association.

Analysts at the NPC conference last year expressed general support for an international organisation which will, much like the Institute of Fundraising for fundraisers, offer a dialogue on metholodogies, advice on best practice, support career development and promote social impact analysis as a profession and activity.

Working with the Bertelsmann Foundation, NPC hopes to have the venture up and running at the end of this year.

Writing to its members, NPC said that the venture would not be without risk, but said the possible returns from the association were worth the chance.