Hello,

I’m David Devins and I’m writing to let you know about the one day course, ‘Introduction to Evaluation’, that I will be running with Sallyann Halliday in London on the 25th November  2010.

The course is aimed at people who are new to research, or new to evaluation, so if you have just started out on your research career, you work in evaluation, or you have responsibility in your role in central or local government, or the voluntary sector for evaluation, the course is for you. 

In times of austerity, the need to assess what is ‘of value’ is increasingly important. You will gain an understanding of the importance of evaluation and be able to make decisions about which types of evaluation models are best applied to different types of projects and activities. We hope to give you some practical tips on how to design and manage the evaluation process and communicate evaluation findings to stakeholders. There will be chance to practice these skills in a supportive environment and discuss the challenges you will face in your work. Above all, the course is fun!

Over the years the discipline of evaluation has evolved and developed and is applied to many policies and practices.  It forms the core of many strategic planning processes and informs decision making surrounding the development and operation of both projects and programmes of activity.   As a result, a range of people in the public, private and voluntary sectors are increasingly required to develop generic skills and competencies in relation to undertaking evaluation and using its findings. 

The course will cover:
•	What is evaluation and why do we do it? Why is it useful in times of austerity?
•	An introduction to a range of  types of evaluation
•	The use of frameworks to design and plan evaluation 
•	Sources of information and approaches to analysis
•	Effective communication.

By the end of the workshop, participants will 
•	Understand the importance of evaluation 
•	Be aware of the key ideas and perspectives relating to evaluation
•	Understand the importance of evaluation frameworks 
•	Be able to understand how to design systems to evaluate the impact of their own initiatives, and those of others
•	Be aware of the applicability of various methods in different contexts.

Fees are normally £175 for SRA members and £250 for non members but further concessions can be made by contacting our offices on the details listed below. To find out more about the course and our biographies please see http://www.the-sra.org.uk/training/introduction_to_evaluation_25112010.htm or contact 020 7388 2416/ [log in to unmask] 

If you would like to book a place please contact as soon as you can as places are limited.

Best wishes,

SRA