A brief paper prepared by UNA Central Region member Barrie Oxtoby.

Introduction

Systemic Transformation (ST) was a new phrase to me until reading the UNA UK ‘s mission in the now superseded 2023-25 Strategic Plan and mentioned four times within the 2026-28 Strategic Plan. Immediate exploration of the meaning of ST led to the conclusion that I had been practising a version of ST since the mid 1980’s. However, the name of the process has been  known by a variety of names that were familiar to organisations in sectors such as voluntary, educational, private, public and recreational.

Systemic Transformation – a comprehensive description

Systemic transformation refers to a fundamental, wide-ranging change that affects an entire system rather than just individual components. ST seeks to alter the underlying structures, processes, relationships, and culture of a system. This could apply to organisations, industries, societies or groups of people.

Key characteristics of ST

• Holistic Approach: It considers all interconnected elements and stakeholders.
• Deep Structural Change: It changes the way a system operates at a fundamental level.
• Sustainable Outcomes: The results are often more sustainable and resilient.
• Collaborative Process: Requires involvement and collaborative of diverse groups.
• Adaptive and Dynamic: The process evolves in response to feedback and change.

Major advantages of Systemic Transformation for sustainable change

• ST is process for addressing root causes and not superficial or surface issues.
• ST creates reinforcing cycles of improvement for best practices to be applied.
• ST builds big picture plans, shared ownership, and collective responsibility.
• ST increases adaptability and resilience amongst all involved if projects.
• ST unlocks innovation by changing mindsets and norms amongst all involved.
• ST reduces duplication of effort, waste amongst people skills and time available.
• ST strengthens relationships and social capital amongst key people involved.
• ST operates effectively as a long-term strategy with inter-generational impact.

Challenges and Considerations

Success requires clear vision, strong leadership, effective communication, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty and change. Measurement and evaluation require, competent team members & effective tools & techniques. UN one-year project on ‘Change & Reform’ has helped

Conclusion

ST is a profound comprehensive process that seeks to remake entire systems for lasting improvement. It is ambitious and demanding. when incremental are insufficient when incremental changes are inadequate to address deep-seated challenges or capitalise on new opportunities.

References

UNA-UK 2023 – 2025 Strategic Plan: https://unacov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/UNA-UK-Strategic-Plan_2023-2025.pdf

UNA-UK 2026-2030: https://una.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/UNA-UK-Strategy-2026-2030.pdf

Systemic Change: Driving Meaningful Transformation: https://unacentral.uk/systemic-change-driving-meaningful-transformation/