27 November 202510:00–16:00
Autumn Evaluation Essentials: Communicating evidence through data visualisation
Zoom
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Join us on 27 November 2025 (10:00–16:00) for an online training session on data visualisation, delivered as part of our Autumn Evaluation Essentials series.
Data visualisation is the art and science of presenting data in a way that is clear, accessible, and meaningful. Effective visuals can transform raw numbers into insights that influence decision-making, build understanding, and drive change. This session will help you develop practical skills for creating impactful charts and graphics that communicate evidence persuasively across a range of audiences.
During this session, you will learn about key data visualisation concepts:
- The foundational principles of effective data visualisation and why they matter.
- A framework for choosing the right chart to match your data, message, and audience.
- Common pitfalls in designing charts and how to avoid them.
- Best practice for making visuals that are accessible in digital formats.
- Practical demonstrations of Excel functions and R code, with ready-to-use templates you can take away.
By the end of the training, you will have a set of practical examples, working code, and templates to apply directly to your own data visualisation projects.
The session will include a mix of presentations, step-by-step demonstrations, and group discussions, giving attendees the opportunity to practise new techniques, share experiences, and learn from each other.
Agenda
| Time | Session | Outline |
| 10:00 | Welcome and Introductions | |
| 10:15 | Introduction: The fundamentals of data visualisation | Understand what data visualisation is, why it matters, and how it can drive decision-making. Learn common pitfalls in designing charts and how to avoid them. |
| 10:45 | Choosing the right chart to match the data, message, and audience | Understand how to select an appropriate chart depending on your research question and data available. Learn how to tailor your chart to best communicate your intended message to a specific audience. |
| 11:10 | Break | |
| 11:20 | Principles of good data visualisation | Learn core principles for creating effective data visualisations. Learn key considerations for ensuring your charts are digitally accessible. Group exercise: collective critique to improve a poorly designed chart. |
| 12:00 | Lunch | |
| 12:50 | Tools for constructing charts: Excel | Overview of the Excel interface and key functions, including filters, pivot tables and pivot charts. Live demonstration of techniques to level up charts beyond the default settings. Practice applying the principles of good data visualisation in Excel. Walk away with instructions that can be applied to your own data visualisation projects. |
| 14:05 | Break | |
| 14:15 | Tools for constructing charts: R Studio and ggplot | Introduction and live demonstration of the R studio interface. Briefly introduce the packages to import, prepare and structure data. Learn the “grammar of graphics”, which form the building blocks for different types of charts. Learn some techniques to level up beyond the default settings. Practice applying the key principles of good data visualisation in R. Walk away with templates that can be applied to your own data visualisation projects. |
| 15:55 | Reflections and wrap up |
Who should attend?
- Individuals in any role within higher education institutions or third-sector organisations who work with data, whether regularly or occasionally, and want to present insights more effectively.
- Professionals across sectors including higher education, government, third sector, and academia.
- Early-career professionals and researchers seeking to build confidence, as well as experienced practitioners looking to refine their approach.
Why attend?
- Targeted learning: Gain practical skills in Excel and R, with demonstrations designed to support both beginners and those with prior experience. You’ll leave with ready-to-use code and templates to support your own projects.
- Professional development: Build confidence in transforming data into visuals that are clear, engaging, and accessible, positioning yourself as someone who can communicate evidence with impact.
- Benefit for your organisation: Strengthen your ability to produce charts and visuals that inform decision-making, improve efficiency, and enhance the way insights are shared across teams and stakeholders.
How to prepare
No prior experience with Excel or R is required.
For the best experience, we recommend attending with access to two screens: one to view demonstrations and one to follow along. However, participants with a single screen are still welcome and will be fully supported.
Pricing
- Standard rate: £259 (+ £51.80 VAT)
- Group booking rate: £233 (+ £46.60 VAT) per person
As a thank you for joining, you’ll also receive a 10% discount for your next session in the Evaluation Essentials series. A code will be included in your booking confirmation and can be applied to any other session in the series.