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Bridging the gap between good intentions and impact
Rain Barrel Labs is an independent social impact consultancy. We use applied social and behavioural science to help governments, organisations and companies solve complex problems, specialising in co-created solutions for children, families and communities that deliver meaningful outcomes for people and nature.
Trusted by partners worldwide
18 years of global impact with our clients, across multiple fields.
From good intentions to measurable impact
In complex social systems, good intentions and strong evidence are rarely enough. Programmes succeed or fail in the space between policy, institutions and the lived realities of families and communities.
Since 2008, we have worked alongside communities, governments, global agencies, foundations and socially minded companies across six continents to close that gap.
Based in Cairns, working globally. From Far North Queensland, we work with partners across Australia, the Pacific, Asia and beyond.
Our work spans health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene, education, and disaster preparedness and climate resilience. We specialise in solutions for children, families and communities, including child protection and ending violence against women and girls, and we use technology, including AI, responsibly to improve how services reach and engage the people who need them.
Partnerships that delivers lasting impact
Decades of partnership and global project experience mean we know how to work within tight budgets, complex systems and diverse communities to deliver impact that can be sustained and scaled.
Where we have supported partners to strengthen capacity and systems, and improve how communities are reached, engaged and supported.
Delivered across six continents with UNICEF, UN Women, UNFPA, Vital Strategies, Australia Training Works and other partners.
Where our co-created and insight-driven strategies, tools or communication approaches have been adopted.
Our services
Understanding people and situations
Co-creation of strategies and solutions
Communication that mobilises and informs
Ethical and climate-responsive technology
Capacity and systems strengthening
What our clients say
“Rain Barrel’s support was essential in preparing our global strategy to end violence against children and its child-friendly version. How wonderful to work with seasoned writers and creative strategists who bring heart and soul – and good humour – to everything they do!”
Susan Bissell – Founding Director, Global Partnership to End Violence against Children
Creating impact starts with the right conversation
From new programmes to systems already in motion, we help partners translate complex goals into practical, co-created solutions that communities value and stakeholders trust.
Frequently asked questions
We’ve answered common questions about our approach, partners, ethics and impact.
What do you mean by good solutions for people and nature?
By good solutions, we mean approaches that are rights-based, inclusive and environmentally responsible. They are designed with and for the people they serve, protect human dignity, and work in harmony with the ecosystems that sustain life. Good solutions are both principled and practical: equitable by design and measurable in their outcomes.
What types of partners does Rain Barrel work with?
We work with governments, United Nations agencies, civil society organisations, foundations and socially minded companies. While our partners are diverse, they share a commitment to delivering practical outcomes for people and nature through respectful, co-created approaches.
What kinds of challenges do you help address?
We support partners to understand how people live, think and act, and how systems and services can respond more effectively to people’s needs and opportunities. Our work spans health, education, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene, child protection, ending violence against women and girls, child and family wellbeing, disaster preparedness and climate resilience. We help partners clarify problems and design solutions that strengthen services, communication and systems, for people and the natural environments they depend on.
What makes Rain Barrel different from other consultancies?
We combine deep social and behavioural insight with co-creation, strong communication expertise and responsible use of technology. Our work is grounded in lived experience and shaped by nearly two decades of global delivery. We focus on solutions that can be used in practice, not just written into reports.
Where does Rain Barrel work?
We have worked in more than 30 countries across Africa, Asia, the Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America. Our global network allows us to draw on local expertise while maintaining consistent standards of quality and delivery.
How do you approach working with partners?
Our approach is grounded in listening, clarity and collaboration. We work closely with local partners and stakeholders, combining their contextual knowledge with global experience to co-create solutions that are realistic, culturally grounded and practical to implement.
