Introduction to the workshop
Evaluation is now expected of every funded project, programme, policy and is a central part of the development of any organisation. And numerous models/ approaches have arisen in response to this demand. Yet frequently the purposes for all this evaluation and which model or approach best serves each purpose is not clear. This training workshop aims to make sense of the different reasons for and approaches to evaluation to maximise the possibility that evaluation in practice will be useful for those it is intended to serve. This workshop will focus on the critical foundations of evaluation practice and would be of interest to people who carry out evaluation as well as those who are responsible for managing and using evaluation in their professional environments.
In particular, it would be suitable for those who:
- have evaluation responsibility in their organisations but little formal training
- have some experience of evaluation but require more solid grounding
The workshop will cover: definitions of and reasons for evaluation; key concepts and principles in commissioning and planning an evaluation; evaluation design: logic mapping, models and different approaches to evaluation; data collection methods; further resources.
By the end of the workshop, participants will have an understanding of: the purposes of evaluation; the key elements required in designing and planning an effective evaluation; the different approaches to evaluation (and their strengths and limitations); undertaking ‘logic mapping’ as a key element in evaluation design; an overview of the different data collection methods.
The workshop format will be interactive, combining presentations, group discussions and practical exercises in small groups. Bring along a project in mind that you may be evaluating or that needs to be evaluated!
Resources will be provided to attendees. This will include workshop presentations, reading material, and links to online material.
Biography: Georgie Parry-Crooke is Professor of Social Research and Evaluation within the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at London Metropolitan University. She has over 25 years’ experience of designing, conducting and managing evaluations as well as teaching graduate level evaluation courses and directing evaluation training. Her experience as a researcher and evaluator has included project, programme, process and outcome evaluations on behalf of NGOs and the statutory sector in the UK. Her interest extends to ethics and ethical practice: she was an advisor to the Cabinet Office on research ethics and participant understanding and until recently, chaired the university’s research ethics committee. Georgie is also Co-Director of Project Oracle Children and Youth Evidence Hub, which aims to build the capacity of providers and funders to develop and commission evidence-based projects and services.
The event is £95 (including VAT) to UKES members and £195 (including VAT) to non-members, payable by check to the UK Evaluation Society (or cash) at the door. To become a UKES member please click: https://www.evaluation.org.uk/membership
Lunch will be provided.
Booking and confirmation of booking are essential as places are limited. In order to attend, please complete the registration form attached and return it to Annabelle Raza: annabelle.raza@getthedata.co.uk