Reflecting on GHWY’s evaluation training
We carry out evaluation every day. This could be researching which restaurant to eat in or assessing which digital platform is best for an outreach activity. Yet most of us would not consider such skills to be evaluation.
Demystifying evaluation and demonstrating that we already use its basic tools in our daily lives was the perfect way in which to put participants at ease at Go Higher West Yorkshire’s (GHWY) evaluation training.
Introduction to GHWY evaluation training
Being delivered in-house for the first time, the four-session course aims to upskill colleagues to understand how evaluation fits into our roles and to add new tools to our evaluation toolkits.
The engaging first session was delivered by Rob Scott (GHWY Training Delivery Officer) and Helen Sykes (Head of GHWY). They helped us to think about how we use evaluation skills in our own lives; consider what evaluation is for; and facilitated discussion about why we do evaluation and our experiences of it to date.
Through discussion and group work, we were also introduced to the Four Lenses technique. Adapted from Stephen Brookman’s model, it encourages us to look from other people’s perspectives to make sure they are included in evaluation. By embracing other people’s perspectives, evaluation becomes more holistic, improves methods, and uncovers assumptions made.
Personal reflections
This training has already sparked me to think more deeply about evaluation.
As my knowledge develops by taking part in the course, I will review the monitoring and evaluation plans for pieces of work I am leading on, to ensure they are measuring outcomes effectively.
Additionally, Theory of Change has been part of my practice for many years as an evaluator. I nonetheless look forwards to learning more about how to write theory of change. This will help me to improve and refine my practice, in order to make the maximum impact on the learners we serve and to grow our evidence base in the sector.
Background to GHWY’s evaluation training
Our training aims to upskill staff in our 13 member Higher Education (HE) providers to think like an evaluator and deliver good quality evaluation. This is important because the Office for Students – the HE regulator – requires providers to include an evaluation plan and evaluation findings in their Access and Participation Plans (APPs). Findings should be published or shared across the sector to build an evidence base and a community of practice.
We support the development of our members’ APPs or Access and Participation Statements. As such, upskilling the sector is an important part of our work. Evaluation skills are imperative to deliver impactful activities for the people we support.
Jenny Scannell, GHWY Project Manager and Officer
