Tomorrow’s Agenda Research Institute Launches

Sustainability and social responsibility provider Net Balance has announced the launch of Tomorrow’s Agenda Research Institute, to be led by former Director of Research at the Center for Social Impact (CSI), Les Hems.

Hems will take on the role of inaugural Director of research and development at the Research Institute.

The Institute says that it will focus on research for Net Balance’s clients that underscore strategy, programs and on the ground action. The Institute’s work is said to complement the Net Balance Foundation’s existing research.

The academic research conducted will be used to develop reports that will shape policy and practice relating to social and environmental change; engaging government, corporations, social enterprises and Not for Profits, according to Net Balance.

“Net Balance now has the exciting opportunity to increase our research capability and to develop our research knowledge to assist our clients. This also means that our ability to collaborate and work with academic and research institutions is enhanced,” Net Balance Executive Director Terence Jeyaretnam said.

“We have a track record in collaborating on research and thought leadership, including, but not limited to institutions such as CSI, Sydney University, Harvard University, CAER, SIRIS, World Vision International and WWF, and we see tremendous opportunities to increase such collaboration with the formation of Tomorrow’s Agenda Research Institute.”

Hems began his research career at Aston Business School, before establishing the research team at the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO). In 1998 Hems took on the role of principal researcher for the John Hopkins University Comparative Nonprofit Sector Project, and in 2000 he established a new research centre as part of the Institute of Philanthropy at University College London.

He has been responsible for CSI’s recent research on impact investing and social finance including assessing the feasibility of implementing social impact bonds in New South Wales and the actions needed to create a capital market for social investment in Australia.

Chief Executive Officer at the Centre for Social Impact, Andrew Young said: “We are very grateful for Les’ three years of service and outstanding contribution in this time.”

“Net Balance is a longstanding partner of CSI’s and we look forward to continuing our collaborative work and wish Les all the best in his new role there,” Young said.