14 November 202409:30–16:30
Developing a theory of change
Nesta, 58 Victoria Embankment, London EC4Y 0DS
Book now
Mapping success: Kickstarting your evaluation with a theory of change
Join us for the first session in our ‘How to evaluate’ training series, where you’ll dive deep into creating and building a Core Theory of Change. This workshop is designed to equip you with a complete, ready-to-implement framework tailored to your programme, guided by expert facilitators.
During this session, you will learn about key evaluation concepts:
- The foundational concepts of a theory of change and its relevance to evaluating higher education interventions.
- How to develop a complete Core Theory of Change for your programme with expert guidance from TASO staff, ensuring you leave the session with a practical framework.
- Common challenges and solutions for integrating a Core Theory of Change into your evaluation activities and strategic planning.
- Real-world case studies from the higher education sector that illustrate the importance of a theory of change in informing evaluation design and impact.
By the end of this training, you will have a Core Theory of Change for your intervention.
Who should attend?
- Individuals in any role within higher education institutions or third-sector organisations who are new to evaluation.
- Experienced evaluators seeking to refresh their knowledge of the theory of change framework.
- Practitioners, managers, and widening participation team members.
- Support staff aiming to enhance their understanding and application of evaluation practices.
Why attend?
- Targeted learning: Learn how a theory of change can be applied within the higher education sector. You’ll have the opportunity to work directly on your own Core Theory of Change throughout the workshop, with personalised guidance and support from experienced facilitators.
- Professional development: Improve your skills around intervention goals and best-practice evaluation methods, positioning yourself as a leader in driving impactful change.
- Benefit for your institution: Get your specific questions answered and explore how the Core Theory of Change can be applied to your organisational needs.
- Networking and collaboration opportunities: Connect with peers across the higher education sector, leading to better collaboration and best-practice sharing.
Location: Nesta, 58 Victoria Embankment, London EC4Y 0DS
Cost
Early bird
- Non-profit organisations (higher education providers, charities, public sector): £299 + VAT
- For-profit organisations: £599 + VAT
Standard rate
- Non-profit organisations (higher education providers, charities, public sector): £349 + VAT
- For-profit organisations: £699 + VAT
Agenda
Agenda: find out more
Pre-workshop preparation (optional)
Homework: Interventions
- Bring one or two interventions you’d like to focus on during the workshop.
Event agenda
09:30 Arrival & refreshments
10:00 Presentation: Why we evaluate
Session outline:
- Find out about the importance of evaluation in the higher education sector.
- Learn how theories of change contribute to effective monitoring and evaluation, and discover the benefits of a collaborative approach to theory of change development.
10:15 Workshop: Understanding theory of change (part 1)
Session outline:
- Learn about the key components of a theory of change, focusing on identifying the situation and setting aims.
- Explore practical examples from the higher education sector.
- Discuss your own theory of change with other participants and get support from the TASO team to start completing the TASO Core Theory of Change template.
11:00 Break
11:30 Workshop: Understanding theory of change (part 2)
Session outline:
- Discover how to identify impact, outcomes, and activities in your theory of change.
- Learn the difference between outcomes and outputs, as well as the distinction between impact and aims.
- Get introduced to TASO resources, including mapping tools, the Data Infrastructure Guide, and the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework.
- Time to further develop your Core Theory of Change with group discussion and TASO team support.
12:30 Lunch
13:30 Workshop: Understanding theory of change (part 3)
Session outline:
-
- Explore the elements of inputs, outputs, rationale, and assumptions in the theory of change.
- Understand the importance of using evidence to inform your causal pathways, and where to source this information.
- Learn how to navigate challenges in mapping multiple interventions.
14:30 Break
15:00 Workshop: Beyond diagnosis
Session outline:
-
- Discover the next steps in the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework: planning, measuring, and reflecting.
- Participate in an activity to develop research questions and outcome measures based on your theory of change.
- Learn about stakeholder mapping to aid in the implementation and interpretation of evaluation findings.
- Find out about future sessions to further support your evaluation journey.
16:30 Reflections & wrap up