Policy and Programme Evaluation

There is growing demand for evidence-based policy, with the UK Government having established 13 What Works centres to help build the quality of evaluation across the policy spectrum, and the establishment of the Cabinet Office Evaluation Taskforce. In this course, we cover the main features of policy and programme evaluation, including an introduction to cutting edge evaluation methodologies and analytical frameworks for thinking about policy problems, the core concepts of inferential statistics, components of randomised control trials (RCTs), data collection and use, communication of findings and interpretation of data visualisations, and recent developments in the field of research ethics.

The course emphasises intensive, hands-on learning. It will be structured around a combination of interactive taught sessions, talks with high profile practitioners in the field, and will culminate with a team challenge, where participants apply their learning by identifying a policy problem and designing an evaluation of proposed solutions in the field of their choosing. There will be multiple opportunities for participants to build their networks, learn from others, and share their own expertise.

During three days of intensive workshops and seminars, you will explore:

• Cutting edge evaluation methodologies and analytical frameworks for thinking about policy problems,
• Core logic of inferential statistics, components of randomised control trials (RCTs), data collection and use,
• How to communicate your data and findings in a way that will resonate with a variety of people, including policymakers and the public, and
• How to embed high ethical research standards and DEI across your evaluations.

You will gain practical and actionable strategies to promote evidence-based decision-making, with a focus on strategic and organisational considerations for running trials effectively.

You will learn from leading experts Professor Michael Sanders, previously Chief Executive of What Works for Children’s Social Care and Chief Scientist at the Behavioural Insights Team, and Susannah Hume, Director of Evaluation at the Policy Institute, King’s College London.

You will be learning alongside participants from across the public and third sectors, fostering a peer-to-peer network of evidence-minded professionals looking to have a real impact in the UK and beyond.

You will meet and discuss policy with key experts such as David Halpern (President and Founding Director of the Behavioural Insights Team) and Lígia Teixeira (Chief Executive, Centre for Homeslessness Impact), who will present their current work and answer your questions on how to lead evaluations successfully in the field.

You will receive a digital badge certificate of completion, attesting that you have completed a CPD-certified course from King's College London.

This course would be suited to:

Executives and organisational leaders who want to become better co-designers of evaluative research as well more informed consumers of trial findings, including NGO and international development leaders, government officials and public administrators, and evaluation leads at charities.

Professionals who want to learn how to implement programme evaluations to improve outcomes for the communities and clients they serve, including policy analysts, social science researchers, evaluation specialists, consultants, and community workers.

This 3-day course will take place in a classroom setting, with possible evening activities (tbc). Engage in a dynamic mix of discussions, debates, talks, and Q&As, culminating in a team challenge and presentation.

The course fee is £1800, with a 15% discount available for King’s College London alumni, current students, and current staff. If you enroll by 14 June, you can access an early bird discount of 10% (not combinable with other discounts).

UK Employer Funded - Payment by Invoice

This option is only available if your course fee is being paid for by your employer or company. If you are eligible for any discounts, you will be able to select this during the checkout process.

Please note you will need to provide the following information during checkout:

• full name of the company
• web URL address of the company
• company finance department address to which the course fee invoice will be posted to
• email address where the invoice can be sent
• purchase order reference (if needed) – this is a reference which your company may need to be shown on the invoice in order to make payment to King’s
• the name of the individual at the company, responsible for approving the invoice from King’s
• the contact details of this individual, including their job title, department; email and telephone number

Please note that King’s College London payment terms are 30 days from the date of the invoice.