SBCC Resources, Guides & Glossary

Our SBCC guides

• What is the SBCC framework?

  A plain-language explanation of SBCC, the socio-ecological model and how SBCC differs from IEC and BCC. Read the guide.

• How to write an SBCC ToR

  The essential sections of a strong terms of reference for SBCC work. Read the guide.

• Our SBCC methodology

  How we move from discovery to design, delivery and measurement. See the method.

Trusted external SBCC resources

These SBCC resources are widely used by practitioners worldwide. We are not affiliated with them.

• The Compass for SBC: a large library of how-to guides, tools and project examples.
• SBCC Implementation Kits (I-Kits): step-by-step kits on topics such as urban health, malaria and family planning.
• Springboard for SBC: an online community of practice for SBC professionals.
• WHO behavioural sciences for better health: guidance and evidence on applying behavioral science.
• UNICEF social and behaviour change: resources on SBC programming and measurement.
• Behavioural Insights Team: the EAST framework and other behavioral insights publications.

SBCC glossary

Key terms you will see in SBCC resources, ToRs and proposals.

SBCC

Social and behavior change communication: the strategic use of communication to promote positive behaviors and social change.

SBC

Social and behavior change: a broader term that includes communication, service design, behavioral science and policy.

IEC

Information, education and communication: an earlier approach focused mainly on materials and messages.

BCC

Behavior change communication: communication aimed at individual behavior, without the wider social focus of SBCC.

KAP survey

A survey of knowledge, attitudes and practices on a topic.

Formative research

Research before program design to understand audiences, behaviors and barriers.

Barrier analysis

A rapid method comparing people who do and do not practice a behavior to find key determinants.

Socio-ecological model

A framework showing how individual, family, community, institutional and policy levels influence behavior.

EAST

Easy, Attractive, Social, Timely: the Behavioural Insights Team framework for applying behavioral insights.

Nudge

A change to the choice environment that makes a behavior easier without removing options.

HCD

Human-centred design: a creative process of designing solutions with the people who will use them.

RCCE

Risk communication and community engagement in emergencies.

Demand creation

Activities that increase informed demand for and use of products and services.

Pretesting

Testing draft messages and materials with the intended audience before production.

Social norms

Shared beliefs about what others do and what others expect.

Theory of change

A description of how and why activities are expected to lead to outcomes.

Where to find SBCC opportunities

SBCC consultancies and jobs are advertised on ReliefWeb, Devex, the United Nations Global Marketplace (UNGM), and agency career sites. Practitioners also share opportunities through Springboard and professional networks on LinkedIn.

If you are commissioning work, see how to work with us.

How to use SBCC resources well

Guidance and toolkits are a great start, but they work best when adapted. A toolkit written for one country or audience may need changes in language, examples, channels and even the behaviors it targets.

We recommend checking the evidence behind a resource, testing adapted materials with your audience, and documenting what you change so others can learn from it. Our formative research and pretesting services can help.

Where to start if you are new to SBCC

If you are new to social and behavior change, the number of SBCC resources can feel overwhelming. We suggest starting with three things. First, read a plain introduction to the field, such as our guide to the SBCC framework. Second, explore a step-by-step toolkit on a topic close to your work, such as an I-Kit. Third, join a community of practice where you can ask questions and see how others approach similar challenges.

From there, deepen your skills in the areas most relevant to your role, whether that is research, strategy, creative development, community engagement or monitoring and evaluation.

SBCC resources by role

• Program managers

  Strategy design guides, budgeting and costing tools, and examples of SBCC strategies from similar programs.

• Researchers

  Formative research guides, barrier analysis tools, KAP survey templates and qualitative methods guides.

• Communicators

  Creative brief templates, message development guides and pretesting tools.

• M&E officers

  Indicator reference sheets, theory of change guides and evaluation designs for SBCC.

How to judge the quality of a resource

Not all SBCC resources are equal. Before using one, check who produced it, when it was last updated and what evidence it draws on. Look for resources that have been tested in similar settings, include practical examples and explain how to adapt the approach. Be cautious with resources that promise quick results or recommend materials before research.

We update this page as we find useful new SBCC resources. If there is a topic you would like us to cover in a future guide, let us know.

Learning and courses

Several organizations offer free or low-cost courses on social and behavior change, behavioral science and health communication. Look for courses that include practical assignments, such as writing a creative brief or designing an indicator, and that are recognized by employers in your sector. If your team needs tailored learning, see our SBCC training and workshops, which can be combined with these SBCC resources.