1. The importance of effective evaluation in widening participation
24th February 2017
Richard Shiner
Head of Evidence and Effective Practice

2. Today’s presentation OFFA’s expectations on evaluation
OFFA’s own approach to evaluation
Why we think evaluation is important
How can OFFA support you
NERUPI and measuring long-term progress

3. OFFA’s expectations on evaluation
Focused on outcomes – looking at institutional progress
Contribution towards sector progress – including quality of evaluation work
Spending smartly – basing decisions on evidence and impact, using available data
Evidence of reflective practice
Making full use of the expertise within your institution
Evaluate the impact these activities based on learner outcomes at regular intervals during the programme

4. OFFA’s own approach to evaluation:
Evidence Strategy:
Set focus: Our role is to clearly state the priority areas.
Ask questions: Our role is to enquire effectively, rather than know all the answers for a given institution.
Facilitate activity: Our role is to act as a catalyst for activity that delivers our aims.

5. Evidence strategy Collaborative, nuanced and context-specific
Improve the quality of evaluation and understanding of what is robust and proportionate
No ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to evaluation
Evaluation that is scalable and transferrable
Sector-level buy-in

6. Why is evaluation important?
Provides context
Demonstrates progress
Highlights where improvements can be made (including what to stop)
Informs decisions on where to invest resources
Can learn from and share with others
Room for improvement …

7. Evaluation into strategy

8. How can OFFA support you
Commissioned research projects
Help to identify gaps and areas to focus on
Share and disseminate your research and findings
Provide access agreement data
Write letters of support to funders
Give guidance

9. NERUPI and measuring long-term progress

10. Evidence@offa.org.uk or Richard.shiner@offa.org.uk
Questions? or