1 What worked, what to strengthen, and how the Theory of Change was updated.

Following the interpretation against the original TOC, the chapter presents the revised TOC that emerged from two co-creation workshops with WfI staff on 26–27 May. That updated model clarifies intervention logic, sharpens outcome language, and identifies the measurement nodes required for future validation. (Practical actions and implementation guidance arising from these findings are provided separately in the Recommendations chapter.)

The discussion is organised in three parts: (1) a short, evidence-backed summary of what worked; (2) identified gaps or areas requiring additional data or refinement (framed as opportunities to strengthen attribution and scale); and (3) the revised TOC with commentary on the principal changes and their implications for monitoring and reporting. This structure keeps the analytical line clear: evidence → assessment against the TOC → refined model for future testing.

Original Theory of Change

1.1 What worked well (robust, repeatable signals)

Strong service-to-impact linkage

Platform placement activity (job listings, partner hires) maps directly to contractor experience: very high shares of respondents report fair, stable work, improved incomes and life quality, and greater agency. These quantitative perceptions are reinforced by consistent qualitative stories (e.g., multi-year contracts, income increases, new skills and promotions).

Skill development & career readiness

Pathways participants consistently report new technical competencies, better confidence, and concrete steps toward employment - showing the education → employability chain functions in practice.

Client value proposition validated

Interviews with hiring partners show the model delivers cost-effective, mission-aligned talent with high retention and engagement - a pragmatic selling point for new client acquisition and CSR storytelling.

Social ripple effects

Repeated accounts show benefits beyond wages: household stability, education for dependents, and increased local spending - confirming the intended community-level effects described in the TOC.

1.2 Verified vs. partially supported claims - opportunities for improvement

Well supported by evidence are the following outcomes: 

• Contractor perceptions of fair pay, stability and overall satisfaction

• Skill gains and employability improvements for Pathways graduates

• Client appreciation for transparent pricing and mission-alignment

Partially supported / requires triangulation

• Scale metrics and coverage: outputs such as total placements, median contract length, and fair-wage compliance look positive in perception data but need consolidated platform exports to confirm coverage, distribution and representativeness.

• Policy & systemic change: activities around stakeholder consultations and policy advocacy show early signs (client interest; anecdotal uptake) but lack longitudinal evidence demonstrating broader corporate practice change.

• Causal attribution at scale: qualitative narratives show clear causal pathways for many individuals, but stronger longitudinal and comparative statistics would increase confidence about the magnitude and persistence of impacts.

1.3 The revised Theory of Change