Details

Category: Policy, Projects & Programmes

Published: Tuesday, 27 May 2014 11:38

Written by: Matt Pye - HWD

Overview

This practical two-day course is designed for members of the Government Analytical Service and other analysts who support the design, delivery and assessment of government policies and programmes.

The course explores the full policy evaluation cycle, from understanding the policy problem and assessing policy options through to evaluating implementation, measuring impact and developing robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks. Participants will strengthen their ability to select appropriate evaluation methods, interpret evidence and provide high-quality analytical advice that supports effective policymaking.

Through a combination of tutor-led presentations, practical exercises, group discussions and case studies drawn from UK and international public policy, delegates will develop confidence in applying advanced evaluation approaches to real-world government challenges.

Topics covered include:

• the role of policy evaluation within the policy development cycle
• distinguishing monitoring from evaluation and understanding different types of impact
• analysing policy problems using stakeholder analysis and problem-tree techniques
• assessing and comparing policy options
• selecting and applying counterfactual impact evaluation methods, including interrupted time series, matched comparison, difference-in-differences, regression discontinuity and randomised controlled trials
• synthesising evidence through systematic reviews and other evidence synthesis approaches
• developing Theory of Change and logic models to support theory-based evaluation
• evaluating complex interventions using process evaluation, contribution analysis, qualitative comparative analysis and realist evaluation
• assessing policy implementation, delivery chains and critical success factors
• designing monitoring and evaluation frameworks, selecting appropriate indicators and planning data collection and ex post evaluation.

By the end of the course, delegates will be better equipped to design proportionate evaluations, assess evidence critically and provide robust analytical advice that supports evidence-based decision-making across government.

 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course delegates will be able to:

• explain the purpose of policy evaluation and distinguish between monitoring, process, impact and outcome evaluation
• assess policy problems using structured analytical techniques, including stakeholder mapping and problem-tree analysis
• identify and appraise policy options using appropriate evaluation criteria
• select and apply suitable counterfactual impact evaluation methods according to different policy contexts
• critically assess the strengths, limitations and assumptions of different evaluation designs
• use evidence synthesis techniques to inform policy development and evaluation
• develop Theory of Change models and logic frameworks to articulate how policies are expected to deliver outcomes
• apply theory-based evaluation approaches to complex policy interventions
• evaluate policy implementation and delivery using delivery chains and implementation review techniques
• design practical monitoring and evaluation frameworks, including indicators, data management approaches and evaluation plans
• provide clear, evidence-based analytical advice to support policymakers and senior decision-makers.